The Davao City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO) is rolling out a new project for subdivisions to engage in backyard vegetable production.

The project “Enhanced Magtanom” which is under the city’s Urban Agri Program themed “Bakanteng Lote Atong Tamnan, Aron Kita Dili Magutman”, is now in 17 subdivisions.

City Agriculturist Leo Brian Leuterio said a combined 5.2 hectares will be turned into a vegetable production area.

“Combined total is 5.2 hectares na ang naay commitment to become vegetable production areas inside the city. So, urban agriculture ni siya and most likely organic ni siya (A combined total of 5.2 hectares is already committed for vegetable production area within the city. So, this will be urban agriculture and most likely organic),” he said.

Leuterio said that Enhanced Magtanom is just like Stay-at-Home, Magtanom encouraging individuals to plant in their vacant spaces. The city monitor’s progress in terms of harvest and investment return that are easier to trace and measure.

“It is almost like research. To check whether urban agriculture in this context really works – specific to food security,” Leuterio said.

To monitor progress, CAO will give out a Magtanom Card where subdivision homeowners fill out details from planting to harvesting. Seeds and technical support will be provided by CAO. CIO