WE HAD a dream in 1997, and the dream was inscribed in Republic Act 8435 or the “Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997.” The country was poised to empower farmers and fishermen with comprehensive support so they could feed not only the citizens, but the Philippine economy at large. It would pour forth resources to the underprivileged sector in all regions of the country, bringing industrialization into agricultural terms.
Sadly, all the years of hemming and hawing brought the sector down with the least contribution to the economy. The dream had been reduced to mere political mantra each time the national situation made it sound really necessary. Such as perhaps now, for instance, when the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the agriculture industry’s lackluster performance.
Two years earlier, the country’s agricultural production merely grew by decimals. Rice production had been at its dismal drop at 3.6 percent yearly. We had to import 300,00 metric tons of rice for backup when the pandemic hit hard our economy.
So, yes, once again it does sound wise to boost agri-business, and very promptly government puts it front and center in the “new normal” agenda. Very predictably so, the solution would be to give the farmers the needed financial support.
The Department of Agriculture is now handing out loan packages to the farmers through its Expanded Sure Aid and Recovery Project (Sure Covid-19). It had partnered with agri-business cooperatives and farmers’ and fisherfolk groups.
The pandemic probably brought to the fore the win-win prospects of boosting agri-business. It would bring resources to the countryside and herd populations there, away from the crowded metros, as opportunities develop. And, of course, food production.
However, there must be more than just financial help for the farmers and fisherfolk. Large infrastructures that aid farming, such as what would boost water supply into the farmlands, must be put in place. A strengthening of the supply chain that would ensure the steady sale of produce at fair price to buyers must be brought to policy.