Nueva Vizcaya has earned the distinction of being the country’s official “Ginger Capital,” following a formal declaration by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This recognition is expected to strengthen government efforts to boost ginger production — a high-value crop — particularly by supporting farmers across the Cagayan Valley region.

The designation is part of the DA’s broader strategy to promote high-value crops as a means of increasing rural incomes and ensuring long-term food and market sustainability.

By channeling more resources to ginger-producing communities, the agency aims to enhance productivity, increase value-added products, and improve market access for smallholder farmers.

“This recognition is not just a title — it’s a commitment to deliver support where it truly matters,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

“Ginger is valued both for its culinary and medicinal uses, and with proper backing from the DA, it can significantly improve product value addition to uplift the incomes of smallholder farmers in Nueva Vizcaya and across the Cagayan Valley.”

Nueva Vizcaya emerged as the country’s top ginger-producing province in 2024, harvesting around 7,140 metric tons from 933 hectares of farmland, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The province is home to more than 5,000 ginger growers, known for their openness to innovation and sustained efforts to improve yields. In 2024, farmers in Nueva Vizcaya achieved an average yield of 7.4 metric tons per hectare.

Nueva Vizcaya also plays a key role in distributing ginger to major trading hubs in Northern and Southern Luzon, as well as Metro Manila, contributing to the movement of approximately 14,753 metric tons last year.

The province’s recognition further cements its status as an agricultural stronghold. Spanning 481,388 hectares, Nueva Vizcaya also produces rice, corn, onion, garlic, tomatoes, melon, and mango — solidifying its importance in ensuring food security and advancing agri-enterprise development in the countryside.

With this latest designation, the DA is expected to ramp up targeted interventions in Nueva Vizcaya, providing improved technologies, infrastructure support, and enhanced market access to unlock the full potential of ginger farming in the region.