JAGNA –PUTTING up another way to better life through farming, the local government under Mayor Exuperio Lloren is presenting the kinampay as a farming alternative. Ube kinampay, or the purple yam has been known to be suitable for soil conditions here in the province. Rallying his farmers to compete in the market for the production of high quality ube, Lloren dared farmers gathered in a meeting at the town gymnasium March 16, to go and start production.

Using the town's five year development plan, Mayor Lloren found it imperative for the town to address identified problems relating to the industry. Particular issues needing intervention were the farmers' lack of technical skill in planting and raising the crop as well as the capital assistance so the initiative can take off.

Jagna affords an environment conducive to ube, though not all barangays are suited for planting it, said agricultural technologist Camilo Rizano. Ube, a seasonal root crop is usually planted early June and July and may be uprooted for harvest in December or January. Ube, the prime requirement for the ube ice cream can also be processed as raw food material for foodstuffs. Considered as a cash crop due to its high demand, the ube also commands high market value.

In 2003, Jagna Ube Growers Association (Juga) was organized with a handful of members. By then, the ube dispersal program of the government through the Municipal Agriculture Office had very few takers. It all changed woth about 13 hectares of the town dedicated to ube as Juga's membership rose to more that 500.

During the meeting, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Godofredo Okit representing the municipal council in his inspirational message extolled the Juga supporters for their continued involvement in ube production.

The Bohol Ube Center Foundation Incorporated (Bucfi) is in charge in conducting the pre-membership education seminar for the prospective Juga members. The present Juga officers are Josefino Cagas, president, Rosevelita Macarayan vice-pres., Lita Bolaer treasurer, Alquin Virtudazo auditor. Juga board of directors are Idistrio Madera, Quirino Lacaran and Isagani Sajolan.