THERE is no sure way to revive interest in agriculture than for the government to lead the way in strengthening consumers' anxiety for farm produce.
In Magalang, Mexico and in Arayat and in Floridablanca where there are still wide spaces to plant staple crops, the residents therein should be doubly encouraged to plant fruit-bearing trees and crops. The incentives could be the competitive prices for palay, availability of adequate supply of fertilizer and insecticides and steady flow of irrigation water, which should not be a problem as the rains come especially in the afternoons and sometimes, in the evenings.
In the light of fast urbanization of towns into cities, more lands are being converted or reclassified from agricultural to residential and industrial usage (as in San Simon town), which should be discouraged. The culprits? Ah, I surmise, the members of Sanggunians, who are quick to the draw as far as reclassification is concerned. No deep thinking is required to assume that there is money dangled to each member of the Sanggunian. Is there?
Agriculture is one activity that needs refueling, either by local government units or the national government.
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We may need to be reminded of the incidents of hunger in our country so that we can turn our attention to agriculture.
This field of endeavor does not require expensive tools or implements. The government should stand ready to provide those individuals who are willing to sweat it out to produce something, anything, that could feed hungry mouths of suffering people.
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Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, for one, has already noted the serious hunger incidents in the country and may worsen due to pandemic restrictions and the bad effects of weather disturbances.
Indeed, it is heart-wrenching to witness a family of five alternately eating while the other members are waiting with knitting stomachs and dry lips!
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The chasm between the rich and the poor sector has definitely widened with the latter group wallowing in desperate struggle to survive. Ah!