In previous issue of “Sow and Till”, this humble writer tried to identify and discuss the many challenges and struggles faced by our Filipino farmers.
Now, I shall share with you the strategic actions that our Philippine government try to undertake or put in place to address those wide range of issues and problems, that Filipino farmers and other key stakeholders should consider to somehow make a big difference, or effect a complete change from a bad situation to a good situation, from one way of thinking to an opposite way of thinking.
Let’s start off with what I call as a Short-term Solutions:
1. Improve Farming Practices: Adopt modern farming techniques, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management, to increase yields and reduce costs.
The Oxford lamguage doctionary defines Agriculture as the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products. If we really would want to become at par with our neighboring countries, we give premium to research studies not just on the production aspect, but the entire value chain cycle. Meaning, from farm planning to actual field preparations, input selections, cultural management, pre and postharvest operations, processing, trading, up to the household’s table.
2. Diversify Crops: Plant multiple crops to reduce dependence on a single crop and increase income. Farmers should grow cash crops that could give him immediate income, such as shortterm vegetables, apart from the so called “Seasonal or perrenial crops,” like rice, corn, jackfruits, etc.
3. Join Farmer Cooperatives: Collaborate with other farmers to access better prices, share knowledge, and negotiate with buyers. One sad thing about our farmers who are literate and financially well-off is that they tend to venture on farming individually by their own selves. Leaving alone those who are educationally challenged. Most often those villages without an ingluencer or farmer-leader that supports the majority of illiterate farmers end up to be the laggards in terms of farm productivity.
4. Access to Government Support: Due to lack of proper guidance from a fellow farmer, the utilization or availment of government programs, such as agricultural loans, subsidies, farm inputs and training, are not optimized hence, improved farming practices, and the chance to increase income come in snail-paced movement. Again, extension delivery system should be strengthened in such areas with this kind of problem or constraints.
Long-term Solutions:
1. Invest in Farm Mechanization: Rally behind the adoption of appropriate mechanized farming techniques to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve productivity. The young generation should encouraged and taught about the wonders of today’s digital farming technologies, including use of high end farm equipment. The programs for the youth like the Young Farmers Challenge which involves competitive financial grants based on their crafted business model canvas should be institutionalized and given additional funding support by the government. The same is true with the continuous promotion of the 4H Clubs where many youths are sent abroad as exchanged students in the fields of agriculture and fisheries.
2. Develop as many Value-Added Products possible: Farmer groups must Process and package their own farm products to increase their value and income. Creating business opportunities start from being prolific in developing a niche market for one’s unique products.
3. Improve Market Access: Develop relationships with buyers, access new markets, and utilize e-commerce platforms to increase sales. Proactive participation in investment fora, enterprise development, market matching and exhibits will pave the way for the establishment of market networks.
4.Sustainable Farming Practices: Adopt sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and agroforestry, to reduce or prevent environmental degradation and improve long-term productivity.
Policy and Institutional Reforms:
1. Advocate for Policy Changes: Farmers can advocate for policy changes that support their interests, such as increased government support, improved market access, and land reform.
Be more aggressive in attending conmunity meetings,and other development activities.
2. Strengthen Farmer Organizations: Build strong farmer organizations to negotiate with government and private sector stakeholders, improve collective bargaining power, and to access and enjoy resources and support.
3. Improve Access to Credit: Advocate for improved access to credit and financial services to support farm investments & operations.
Explore and Join Educational promotion and Training:
1. Farm Management Training: Participate in training programs that improve farm management skills, such as financial management, marketing, crop, livestock amd poultry operations and management.
2.Technology Adoption: Stay updated on new technologies and farming practices to improve productivity and efficiency.
3. Sustain able Agriculture:
By adopting these strategies, Filipino farmers could surely address the very roots of their problems, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.
However, at the end of the day, it all boils down to farmers willingness and dedication to really make a chsnge and the diligence to initiate agricultural and rural transformation.
