Isinusulong ni House ICT Committee Chair at Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco ang pagpapalawak sa tech-based agricultural programs ng pamahalaan para mapalakas ang ani at kita ng mga magsasaka.
Sa panahon, aniya, ngayon, mahalaga na gawing prayoridad ng pamahalaan ang pagbibigay ng angkop na teknolohiya at kaalaman sa ating mga magsasaka para mapalaki ang kanilang ani at potensyal na kita.
Ilan aniya sa mga halimbawa nito ang small water impounding systems, fertigation techniques, at drip irrigation.
“According to the agriculture department, these technologies can cut fertilizer use by up to 70 percent and reduce water consumption by 30 percent… We need to replicate these programs nationwide. Expanding their reach will help farmers optimize resources and lower production costs,” aniya.
Hinimok din niya ang Department of Agriculture (DA) na makipagtulungan sa pribadong sektor para mapabuti ang kalagayan ng mga magsasaka.
Kasama dito ang Digital Farmers Program (DFP), na nagbibigay ng digital tools sa mga magsasaka gaya ng smartphones, tablets, at internet access.
“The lack of access to smartphones and internet is a major barrier to technology adoption among rice farmers… The government must invest in programs that give farmers access to digital tools. Bringing public agricultural services online will provide them with valuable data and easier access to government assistance,” sabi pa niya. | ulat ni Kathleen Jean Forbes
