ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) pledged to assist farmers in the Philippines to make their farms profitable.
In an interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that one of the major challenges faced by young and old farmers is making their farms profitable. This is the problem that the agency aims to solve.
“We have to make farming bankable and profitable. That is currently the main mission of the DA,” said Laurel.
He cited an example of integrated rice-duck farming, a practice used in Vietnam and other parts of the country. With this technique, rice farms can also be used to raise ducks. This way, farmers can earn income from ducks while waiting for the harvest of rice.
“What’s important is that farmers, whether young or old, make a profit,” Laurel said.
To encourage youths to engage in new agri-fishery enterprises and earn more, he said that their Young Farmers Challenge program should be continued.
The program showcases how young farmers can profit from their farms using smart farming techniques and more. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
