“Innovations will be key to solving problems in agriculture and enhancing rural development.”

Speaking on behalf of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar presented the “New Thinking” in Philippine agriculture to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) International Forum on Inclusive Innovations for Development Impacts on September 24, 2019 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City.

“A new way of thinking and doing things” is necessary to bridge the gap between the “anemic growth” of agriculture sector and the increasing population,” Dar said.

Considering the global contemporary challenges of the sector such as poverty, hunger, climate change, and land degradation, Dar said, “We should not be complacent. We should be properly guided by a solid foundation.”

According to him, the Department of Agriculture has launched the “New Thinking for Agriculture” as a science-based and inclusive development strategy built around eight paradigms, namely, 1) modernization, 2) industrialization, 3) promotion of exports; 4) farm consolidation, 5) infrastructure development, 6) roadmap development, 7) higher budget and investments, and 8) legislative support.

“Farm consolidation and the engagement of the private sector are essential in helping farmers and fisherfolk become more productive and prosperous,” Dar said.

“We must empower them through collective action. They will have the opportunity to partner with the different actors in the industry. Leaving them alone will not accelerate the development of the sector,” Dar said.

He also stressed the need to embrace the inclusive agribusiness approach anchored on the value chain system.

In terms of modernization, Dar proposed to adopt technologies from other countries, shorten the transfer of technologies to stakeholders, and application of the technologies or innovations developed by universities, colleges, and research institutions in the country.

With the new thinking as the solid foundation for the agriculture sector, Dar is positive that the twin goals of food security and increased income of farmers and fisherfolk can be realized. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)