The Department of Agriculture (DA) is gearing up to showcase its achievements and future plans at the upcoming Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas. Asek. U-Nichols Manalo stressed that despite challenges such as the pandemic and El Niño, the Philippine agricultural sector achieved 1.2% growth in 2023, reaching pre-pandemic levels. Palay production reached an all-time high of 20.06 million metric tons, highlighting the resilience and potential of the sector.
Looking to the future, the DA aims to intensify efforts across various commodities, including rice, maize, high-value crops, fisheries and livestock. Strategic investments in infrastructure such as irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads and cold storage are critical to improving the food value chain and expanding production space. This integrated approach aims not only to increase productivity, but also to improve access to markets for local agricultural products.
DA’s proactive initiatives and strategic investments are important steps towards achieving food security and sustainability in the Philippines. By focusing on modernizing rural communities, improving logistics, and improving agricultural practices, the agency is laying a strong foundation for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.
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