Speaking at a forum organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.  underscored the urgent need to modernize agricultural methods to cater to aging farmers and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

“The big challenge we face is making farming profitable,” the DA chief asserted during the forum. “The solution lies in embracing technology-based farming methods.”

Sec. Tiu Laurel pointed to successful local innovations in Hermosa and Dinalupihan, Bataan, where advancements like small water impounding systems, fertigation techniques, and drip irrigation have revolutionized crop production. These technologies have shown potential to significantly reduce fertilizer use by up to 70 percent and cut water consumption by 30 percent, thereby optimizing resource efficiency and lowering costs for farmers.

Looking forward, the DA chief expressed optimism about the transformative impact of these initiatives on Philippine agriculture, envisioning a future where technology and innovation propel the sector towards enhanced productivity, profitability, and global competitiveness. ### (Photos by Jay Morales, DA-OSEC)