Darag Native Chicken in Focus of Aklan Convergence Plan

BANGA, Aklan – The Darag native chicken industry and the science community here will benefit soon from the PCARRD Knowledge Networking Towards Enterprising Agricultural Communities (K-AgriNet) convergence plan.

PCARRD, the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) and partner-member agency (PMA), the Aklan State University (ASU) and other stakeholders convened last 4 July 2007 to discuss the convergence plan to integrate efforts and strengthen e-services for rural and agricultural communities in Region 6.

The Banga, Aklan Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) manager, and the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) were also there for the meeting.

Through the program services, the group expects enhancement of packaging of technologies on breeding and marketing of Darag native chicken. Aptly called “Darag” (which means yellow in Hiligaynon), this Western Visayan pride is best known for its unique flavor, taste and meat texture.

The convergence plan also aims to improve the capability of implementers, farmer leaders/MS, and Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) and enhance the services of the FITS centers by integrating various information and communication technology (ICT) applications, databases and other interventions. (Neri Ann Lawas and Mercy Sisteberio, S&T Media Service)