DTI to help expand list of products in Kadiwa stores

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding the commodities to be made available at its Kadiwa outlets by partnering with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Diskwento Caravan.

By merging the two programs, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said Kadiwa outlets would not be limited to selling agricultural produce such as vegetables and fruits, but would now also include canned sardines, instant noodles, coffee, soap, condiments, cooking oil and even disinfectant alcohol.

“We enjoin our partners from the industry of basic necessities to assist our consumers by offering their products in the caravan and providing them at discounted prices,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said. “Our close coordination with the DA, retailers, manufacturers and local government units is essential in ensuring supply of basic necessities and are priced according to, or lower than the prevailing prices set in the price freeze list.”

The DA’s Kadiwa program features three platforms that cater to the different needs of consumers, namely Kadiwa Retail, Kadiwa on Wheels and Kadiwa Online.

The trading posts are expected to resemble “mini-grocery stores” once members of the private sector begin to join the Kadiwa schedules.

At least 66 more Kadiwa sites are expected to be open nationwide, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said, to ensure that farmers could get the best prices for their goods, while providing adequate, affordable, safe and nutritious food to consumers. INQ