Capitalizing on research and development, Acting Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar highlights technology utilization and agribusiness linkages to ensure a more productive Philippine agriculture.
As such, Dar instructed the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) to create a Research for Development Paradigm (R4D), a strategy to be used by the department in developing researches needed by farmers, fishers and agribusiness partners.
“Wag na natin gawin iyong mga research na walang relevance. The output of our researches should benefit not only the farmers and fishers but should also be utilized by agri-preneurs,” Dar said in his speech delivered at the 15th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition on August 14, 2019.
Under his leadership, the department will follow value-chain approach. He said the state universities and colleges (SUCs), who wish for project grant from the agency, should follow the principles being undertaken such as: Is it inclusive? Is it needed by farmers and fishers? Can it be used and technically upscale? Can it be utilized by the agribusiness industries?
“It should have relevance because it would be such a waste if the results of our researches will not be used by farmers or the private sectors,” he added.
He reiterated the DA vision of increasing productivity and making farmers and fisherfolk prosperous.
In relation to that, Dar said BAR should incubate mature technologies. As such, he instructed the Bureau to institutionalize technology-based agribusiness incubation program. He also urged officials to engage in partnerships with the private sectors to serve as mentors, and help tap SUCs or other potential areas for the establishment of the program.
Dar directed BAR to organize an advisory board, 50% of which will come from the agribusiness private sector.
“These people will serve as mentors and will provide technical support,” he said.
The Secretary also directed all DA offices, including its attached agencies and bureaus to improve their Data Management System. He added that building upon data management is important, and asked the assistance of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on this matter.
Also during the event, Dar launched sequel of his book entitled “The Way Forward: Level Up Philippine Agriculture”, which highlight harnessing Philippine agriculture through technology and creating agri-preneurs.
DA-BAR will have series of seminars and product exhibit from 50 participating exhibitors all over the country until August 16. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
