Agriculture Secretary William Dar underscored the functions of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) as the lead agency to bring “Agriculture 4.0” during the celebration of the 90th Founding Anniversary of the BPI on January 24, 2019 in Malate, Manila.
“We hope to see BPI as lead agency paving the way in Fourth Industrial Revolution in Agriculture,” Dar said.
In his keynote message, Dar stressed BPI’s three major functions: Research and Development (R&D), Production Support, and Regulatory. He said these functions are still relevant up today but BPI should strive to bring these functions to a higher level.
For R&D, Dar said the bureau should remain as key players in its relentless efforts in bringing in appropriate, modern technologies, and crop varieties that subsequently produce nutritious, affordable, and world-class crops and food products.
“If I have to give my brief evaluation today, you are just in the passing mark. Dapat ang BPI ay hindi lang 75 ang grado dapat andoon sa 85 pataas,” Dar said.
He stressed that BPI should elevate its game by not repeating the same research done by other institutions.
The Agri chief seeks to develop and establish a National Seed Technology Park piloted in three major provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P200 million from its 2020 budget for the establishment of the techno hub.
Dar said the hub will serve as a one-stop area for different research activities, demonstrations, and training area, and can serve as a theme park and market area for farmers.
For Production Support, Dar directed BPI to improve its accreditation of seed growers, seed certification, and monitoring process. He said the bureau should also improve its relationship with regional field offices.
“Gandahan pa natin ang ating panunugkulan para sa ganoon iyong mga nagbebenta ng mga buto at seedlings ay of higher quality, giving you higher level of productivity and profitability,” Dar said.
For Regulation, Dar directed BPI to maintain a corruption-free environment in the bureau. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
