Friday, April 13, 2007 Only part of strawberry fields has poor irrigation: guv By Jane Cadalig
BENGUET Governor Borromeo Melchor defended the strawberry fields in La Trinidad from bad publicity brought about by reports on the poor quality of water that is used to irrigate the famous farms.
Melchor clarified that only portions of the strawberry fields are getting bad irrigation.
The governor made the statement following reports that an international company has deferred its plan to buy agricultural commodities grown at the Strawberry Fields after discovering in a surprise inspection that the water used to irrigate the farms are waste water from nearby households.
The governor however said only a part of the farm uses poor quality of water for irrigation and not the entire Strawberry Fields.
Aside from strawberries, other crops like vegetables and cut-flowers are also cultivated in the area.
Melchor said the Provincial Government is addressing the concern through the establishment of a water treatment facility to improve the quality of water for irrigation.
The Province allotted P1 million for the project. A memorandum of agreement was also signed between and among concerned government agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the water treatment plant project.
The La Trinidad’s strawberry fields is one of the most frequented tourism areas in Benguet.
