Modern farming, fishery eyed in Mt. Province

BAGUIO CITY—  Mountain Province is eyeing to modernize its farming and fisheries industry.

The provincial government of Mountain Province Government represented by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, together with provincial officials, recently turned over the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Plan for 2024 to 2028 to the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE).

A comprehensive strategy to modernize the province’s agricultural sector, enhancing productivity through mechanization and reducing post-harvest losses was presented in the plan.

Mountain Province has long depended on traditional farming practices, thus through the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Plan, agriculture will be modernized to ensure that the province’s agricultural and fishery sectors can meet the demands of a growing market.

By introducing modern technology and equipment, the plan seeks to boost productivity, reduce labor-intensive work, and promote sustainable practices.   

Lacwasan explained that this “is a vital step toward empowering the farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring they have the resources and technology they need to improve their livelihood and contribute to the economic development of their province.”

A core element of the plan is the introduction of post-harvest infrastructure, such as warehouses and multi-purpose drying pavements. These facilities are expected to reduce postharvest losses and help farmers maximize the value of their produce. With these interventions, the province aims to reduce input and labor costs while increasing farmers' real incomes.

The DA-BAFE plays a crucial role in providing technical assistance to the province in implementing the plan. The DA-BAFE, which serves as DA’s engineering arm, will assist in ensuring that the technologies introduced are suitable for Mountain Province's terrain and needs.