DA to form consultative bodies in crafting policies on agricultural modernization

The Department of Agriculture will form consultative councils to aid in writing responsive and timely policies and programs for the modernization of the country’s agriculture sector, according to Secretary Francisco Tui Laurel Jr.

In a statement on Monday, Laurel said this is one of the initiatives the agency is working on to boost productivity, enhance food security, and improve the income of farmers and fishermen.

The councils would meet monthly to help calibrate policy and program directions to make them more responsive and timely. 

Laurel shared the agency's plan to modernize Philippine agriculture during a forum hosted by the Makati Business Club Inc.

“This summit is a timely and essential platform for dialogue between government and the private sector. It is an opportunity to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and develop strategies that will ensure food security in the country,” he said.

He noted that post-harvest losses for key crops in the Philippines can reach about 40% primarily due to outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies.

Laurel added that global food losses amounted to 14% between harvest and retail, with an additional 17% wasted at later stages.

The DA also plans to adopt advanced technologies and modern farming practices to boost agricultural production.

Laurel said this move will ensure “accessibility to affordable, safe, and nutritious food while also developing agriculture and fisheries as profitable industries for all stakeholders in the value chain.”

The DA is also eyeing enhancing logistics and using science-based strategies, which include developing efficient transport networks like farm-to-market roads, tramlines, and seaports.

“Modernizing the agri-fishery sector requires science and information-driven decision-making through digitalization. This seeks to equip stakeholders with advanced tools and technology, as well as real-time data thus enabling our farmers and fishermen make smarter, data-driven decisions,” Laurel said.

He added that opening local and international markets will provide new opportunities for Filipino farmers and enhance their competitiveness.

On his 67th birthday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wished for an improved agricultural sector in the Philippines as his administration launched the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program, a credit facility that offers low-interest loans. 

The program aims to help farmers access necessary funds for their agricultural needs.

The DA Bicol earlier said it is studying the use of modern farming technologies, including drones, to enhance agricultural practices in the region.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/AOL, GMA Integrated News