Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cited Thursday the pressing challenges faced by the country’s agriculture sector to attain food security.
In his remarks at the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ (ECCP) Sustainable Agriculture Forum in Makati City, Tiu Laurel emphasized the need for sustainable practices.
“While agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy, it is grappling with numerous challenges, including climate change, resource degradation, and socio-economic pressures,” the Agriculture chief said.
“These factors make food security a pressing issue both globally and locally,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) chief said the government is fully committed to sustainable agriculture as highlighted in the DA’s four-year plan, “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas (Towards a Bountiful New Philippines).”
The program focuses on boosting agricultural production to provide affordable, safe, and nutritious food while transforming agriculture and fisheries into profitable industries.
Among the strategic measures outlined by Tiu Laurel are expanding agricultural areas, modernizing production systems, and improving post-harvest infrastructure.
He also stressed the importance of utilizing advanced technologies and best practices to enhance productivity and resilience within farming communities.
“To achieve our goals, we must embrace science and information-driven decision-making,” the Tiu Laurel said.
“This includes equipping stakeholders with real-time data and modern tools to make informed choices,” he said.
Despite proactive strategies, Tiu Laurel acknowledged the obstacles ahead.
“The road to sustainable agriculture is fraught with challenges, but through collaboration with the private sector, NGOs, and international partners, we can overcome them,” he said.
The DA chief urged members of the ECCP to help the government, particularly the DA, to ensure that every Filipino has access to safe and nutritious food, while also protecting the environment for future generations.
“Only through collective effort can we pave the way for a sustainable agricultural future,” he said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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