To attract a new generation of farmers, fishermen and aquaculture entrepreneurs, the Department of Agriculture is working double time to modernize the agri sector to make it a “cool” venture and career option, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
Despite spending working long hours under harsh conditions, millions of Filipinos who depend on agriculture have remained poor, forcing many to dissuade their children to go into farming and fishing. Indeed, most Filipino farmers and fishermen are in or approaching their senior years, raising questions over long-term prospects of food security in the country, Sec. Tiu Laurel said.
“Farming now is not bankable,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel, who, before joining the DA were among the few who made their fortune in fisheries and aquaculture. “So, the aim is to make it cool, attractive to young people and, of course, bankable. It should make money in order for it to be sustainable,” he added.
And not only will profitable farming, fishing and aquaculture ventures attract a younger generation of farmers and fishermen, it should also draw a new set of investors that will help agriculture arrest its declining contribution to gross domestic product and generate employment for millions of Filipinos. While agriculture accounted for a little over 8 percent of GDP last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed it still accounted for one in every four jobs that Filipinos have.
To achieve these twin goals, Sec. Tiu Laurel told businessmen it is imperative to modernize the sector by investing heavily in mechanization to reduce production costs; enhance post-harvest systems to reduce wastage; widen irrigation coverage and ensure efficient use of good seeds, fertilizers and other inputs to increase farm yields; and develop an efficient logistics network so that goods and services get to where they are needed at affordable prices.
“The Department of Agriculture continues to redouble its efforts in increasing the Philippines’ agricultural production. While instilling a vision aimed at modernizing the sector, we at the Department are also working hard on the price of agricultural commodities so that it will become affordable for stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. This is deeply rooted in our belief on fair compensation and inclusivity in farming, fisheries and aquaculture, making them bankable investment choices,” the agri chief said.
In a separate forum with the Federation of Free Farmers, Sec. Tiu Laurel said the DA’s four-year plan aims to empower the farm, fisheries and aquaculture sectors to become “profitable industries for farmers and fisherfolk and stakeholders involved in the value chain.”
“It’s important for the DA— and me, personally—that our farmers profit from their hard work.”
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.
“We should be able to entice enough farmers, fisherfolk and aquaculture entrepreneurs to continue with their ventures, expand their farm holdings or even buy bigger boats and better fishing equipment to help boost their income by producing more and affordable food for Filipinos,” the agri chief added.
