Through a collaborative approach in tackling agriculture sector issues and concerns, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar wanted to engage state universities and colleges (SUCs) to become smart agriculture hubs in their respective regions.

Dar made that announcement during his keynote speech at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Forum on Unleashing Innovation in Modernizing the Agriculture Sector on August 29, 2019.

The partnership with SUCs is part of the DA’s effort in strengthening its network with local government units, farmers and fisherfolk groups, and the private sector, among others, to achieve inclusive growth in the agri-fishery sector.

“Let’s institutionalize the engagement of the universities and colleges in the training or capacity building of mechanization, irrigation management, seed distribution, rice production, and the like,” Dar directed the key officials of the Department present during the event.

He said that DA cannot work alone. Thus, bringing in consultants from the SUCs and the private sector would help the DA in its various programs.

“Matagal na tayong nananaliksik pero kakaunti pa iyong nakakarating sa kanayunan na technologies,” Dar explained.

He said, “We have to be imaginative. We have to be creative. We have to be innovative in presenting newer programs of the Department of Agriculture.”

Dar also suggested that precision farming and smart agriculture must go hand in hand. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)