DA chief outlines strategies to modernize PH agriculture, boost food security

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 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 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 In the Philippines, post-harvest losses for key crops can reach as much as 40 percent, primarily due to outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies, he added.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