Department of Agriculture targets sufficient fish, vegetable supply

MANILA, Philippines - After targeting rice sufficiency by 2013, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is now focused on ensuring the sufficient supply of fish, vegetables, and other agricultural products in the country “to put every Filipino out of hunger.”

“We will feel the success of ‘Masagana at Murang Ani’ program next year, and now, we aim at having enough or even bountiful supplies of fish and vegetables,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

Alcala revealed that the DA is identifying specific places where they could impose total fishing ban to avoid fish shortage in the future.

He said the agency is planning to import high-breed cows from other countries, including Australia, for crossbreeding with local cows, which would result in cheaper quality beef.

The DA is also trying to find out if it is possible to harvest vegetables at least three times a year, instead of the usual once or twice a year.

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) chief Antonio Nangel said his agency is installing the “small-water impounding reservoir” in far-flung areas that cannot be reached by the irrigation system to increase harvest.

He said they are also putting “communal irrigation system” to enable farmers even from the mountainous areas to have water.

“We will assure the farmers that they have enough water supplies for their rice, vegetable and corn,” he pointed out.

Alcala expressed optimism that “the sufficient supplies of rice, fish, vegetables and other agricultural products, will assure food security for the public when the Aquino administration ends.”