Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. on Monday outlined the Department of Agriculture's strategy to modernize Philippine agriculture through a series of initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, enhancing food security, and improving the incomes of farmers and fishermen.
Speaking at a forum hosted by the influential Makati Business Club Inc., Secretary Tiu Laurel underscored the crucial role of government and private sector partnership to effectively address the urgent need to modernize various sectors of agriculture by mechanizing farm processes, improving farm and post-harvest infrastructure, enhancing logistics, and adopting science-based strategies, alongside efforts to open up new markets, in the face of climate change and other challenges.
"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," said the DA chief. "Over the past few years, the Department of Agriculture has been steadfast in its efforts to enhance food production and ensure food security for all Filipinos," he added.
Sec. Tiu Laurel said that to foster the involvement of agriculture stakeholders, the DA will form consultative councils which would meet monthly to help calibrate policy and program directions to make them more responsive and timely.
The DA chief noted global food losses amounted to 14 percent between harvest and retail, with an additional 17 percent wasted at later stages. In the Philippines, post-harvest losses for key crops can reach as much as 40 percent, primarily due to outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies, he added.
Despite current challenges, agriculture remains vital to the Philippine economy, providing millions of jobs and contributing significantly to the gross domestic product.
By adopting advanced technologies and modern farming practices, the DA seeks to transform traditional farming methods and significantly boost output. "Our focus remains on boosting agricultural production to ensure accessibility to affordable, safe, and nutritious food while also developing agriculture and fisheries as profitable industries for all stakeholders in the value chain," Sec. Tiu Laurel said.
Enhancing logistics and using science-based strategies are also key to DA's development strategy.
He said developing efficient logistics systems for both input and production output, including a resilient transport network like farm-to-market roads, tramlines, and seaports, is crucial to streamlining the movement of agricultural products, reducing costs, and eliminating barriers that hinder the flow of goods.
"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 to make smarter, data-driven decisions," Sec. Tiu Laurel said.
Furthermore, Sec. Tiu Laurel addressed the need to expand market access. He said opening up both local and international markets will provide new opportunities for Filipino farmers and enhance competitiveness, including overcoming barriers and promoting local products effectively.
As the country navigates the complexities of modern agriculture, Sec. Tiu Laurel said strategic initiatives are poised to drive significant advancements and position the Philippines as a leader in sustainable and productive farming practices.