Aquino to keynote Makina-Saka 2012

By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan

Thursday 5th of July 2012

QUEZON CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled today to be the guest of honor and speaker at the Makina-Saka 2012 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, a statement posted on the Department of Agriculture website said.

The Makina-Saka 2012 or the 2nd Agri Machinery Roadshow showcases the latest farm production and postharvest machinery, equipment and technologies.

The event, which will run until July 7, is part of the DA's medium-term national farm mechanization and postharvest program that would enable farmers to produce more crops and reduce losses.

The event also builds on the gains of last year’s 1st Agri Machinery Roadshow, as the Aquino administration through the DA implements a national farm and fishery mechanization program, one of the major components to achieve sufficiency in rice and major staples by the end of 2013.

The Makina-Saka 2012 also features conferences and workshops of the country’s Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), Small Water Impounding Systems Associations (SWISAs), other farmers’ groups and associations, and Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs).

During the event, Agriculture Secretary Alcala and farmers' groups will present to the President a policy document on the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). It is the Aquino government’s banner program aimed at attaining sufficiency in rice and major staples, increasing the productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk, empowering farming and fishing communities, and making the country’s agricultural and fishery sector globally competitive.

The President will also witness the launch of the “Matuwid na D.A.A.N.” web or the Department of Agriculture Accountability Network. The web portal will provide the general public accessible information on DA's various ongoing and completed infrastructure projects and other initiatives.

Alcala will also sign a memorandum of agreement with the Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo as the DA and DOST will join efforts to enhance the conduct of research and development on farm mechanization. (DA/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)