Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. views technology as the key to revitalizing Philippine agriculture as he underscored the urgency of modernization to address the aging farmer population and unlock the sector’s full potential.
Agriculture employs a significant portion of the workforce, but contributes less than 10 percent to the gross domestic product. This, coupled with the average farmer’s age exceeding 55, strengthens the call for a paradigm shift.
“The big challenge we face is making farming profitable. The solution lies in embracing technology-based farming methods,” Tiu Laurel said in a recent forum with business owners.
He cited successful local examples where advancements like water management systems and irrigation techniques drastically reduced resource use and boosted productivity.
Inspired by South Korea’s extensive use of greenhouses, the DA aims to scale up this technology in the Philippines.
Tiu Laurel stressed the importance of supportive policies, drawing insights from Vietnam’s successful model that includes subsidies and crop insurance.
A crucial aspect of the plan involves a shift in agricultural education. The focus will move from traditional methods to comprehensive training in modern techniques, empowering landowners and tenants for success.
Tiu Laurel also underscored the significance of robust crop insurance coverage to mitigate risks for farmers, thereby fostering confidence in adopting new technologies and sustainable practices.
He also called for increased access to government-backed loans facilitated by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), which disbursed only P100 million out of its P600-million available funds.
Tiu Laurel’s four-year plan outlines a future where technology and innovation propel Philippine agriculture toward significant growth, profitability and global competitiveness.
The strategic shift positions agriculture as a key driver of economic development and food security.
