Farm modernization, key in fight versus poverty
STA. BARBARA – A retired police general, now a gentleman farmer in Pangasinan, has called on all local agricultural stake holders in the country to come together to formulate a comprehensive farm modernization program that will serve as a key strategy in fighting poverty.
Former Police Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco, who retired in 2005, has recommended that vast tracks of idle farm lands in the country be broken down into more manageable economic units to ensure a more focused and doable farm and fishery modernization program.
Since his retirement, Velasco has been successfully managing an integrated farm in Batangas province and has started the same here in his hometown.
Velasco says he wants to set an example in agriculture for other farmers in the third district of Pangasinan to follow.
“If things are kept as they have been for decades, the farmers and fisherfolk in the country will stay poor. Aggressive help by the government and business organizations must be sought as soon as such a comprehensive program is made,” Velasco said.
Under the one-town-one-product (OTOP) program of the national government, each district needs to be zoned accordingly on the basis of which is the most suitable crop for the area. Each town can then concentrate on this with full marketing support systems, technical assistance, and micro financing mechanism, he suggested.
The crop zoning system would prevent overproduction of one particular crop like rice or corn as well as other agricultural products like pork or chicken and keep prices from diving, Velasco explained.
In addition, he suggested that a wholesale market or markets strategically located in every province should be built and medium-sized special economic zones where light industries that process marine products and farm crops could be located must be pinpointed and developed, he said.
Moreover, he added, an investment program that covers where a locator can set up his business, how he can start it, what towns or barangays will be tapped to supply his raw materials and other business operation details must be mapped out.
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