Department of Agriculture will launch the national program which aims to help provinces in crafting their respective agriculture master plans. The said master plan viewed for greater and more sustainable food production.
As cited in the report of Philstar, DA Secretary Manny Piñol said that“the provincial agriculture master plan will identify the key agricultural infrastructure projects needed by each province so that these could be included in the annual program planning of the DA.”
Also he added to his statement that the agriculture master plan will also include aerial mapping and the updating of database of farmers and fishermen in each province.
Significantly, Occidental Mindoro will be the first province to accept the offer of the DA for the crafting of an agri master plan. It is one of the hardest hit areas by the ongoing El Niño .
The plan will focus more on forest denudation and massive siltation of its rivers. Occidental Mindoro is currently facing denuded mountains and the heavily silted rivers which were already drying up.
Based on the statement of Piñol that farmers clamor that their farms are cracking up because of the lack of water.
At present, Mindoro’s local government unit agreed to negotiate with representatives of all sectors, especially the Mangyan Tribe. Negotiation will emphasize the development on agricultural, environmental and ecological condition of the province.
Respectively, Occidental Mindoro will hold its agriculture and environmental planning on May 27 to 28 in Tagaytay City.
The agriculture master plan tends to ensure availability of water that is essential in farming activities.
Source:
Provinces urged to craft master plan for agri development