TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The Department of Agriculture in Region 2 has warned farmers of the proliferation of fake seeds in the local market. 

Regional Technical Director for Operations, Roberto Busania, said they have intensified their campaign against unauthorized seeds and other agricultural products in partnership with various law enforcement agencies in the region.

Recently, the Isabela police were able to seize P250,000 worth of fake seeds and other agricultural inputs in San Manuel, Isabela. The police also recorded two complaints about fake seeds in Isabela province.

Busania said they came out with strategic measures to run after sellers of fake products through the support of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Intelligence Coordination Agency, and Philippine National Police. 

“We need to protect the interest of our farmers. They are the producers of foods on our table. With the proliferation of illegal seeds, let us help them. Let us also make them vigilant and be aware of this,” Busania said.

He also said the proliferation of fake seeds is alarming as it can cause failure in the farmers’ yield and technology. 

“If our farmers are affected by this problem, it will also affect the food security agenda of the government and even our economy because our region is a major source of agricultural products, especially rice and corn. We supply various farm products to other regions,” he said. 

Busania also advised farmers to report to local authorities if they encounter unfamiliar agricultural product brands or packaging for verification. 

Lt. Col. Arnel Bautista of Police Regional Office 2 said that they already created a team that will conduct a thorough and continuous monitoring of agricultural market outlets in the region. 

“To the legitimate seed distributors and companies, please cooperate with us. We need your cooperation for us to address this problem,” Bautista added. (OTB/PIA Region 2)