Importance of science and technology in agri development cited

STA. CRUZ, Laguna – China, considered as the most populous nation on earth, is a country founded on agriculture, according to Henry Lim, Bon Liong, chairman and chief executive officer of Hybrid rice Seed Enterprises, a division of SL. Agritech Corp.

"To fully develop agriculture and invigorate its rural economy, China, with a population of 1.3 billion, has popularized advance science and technology which today, has not only substantially raised its food production but has also improved the living standards of its farmers," Lim said in an interview.

According to him, to achieve its socialist modernization and enhance its rural development, China provides its farmers with scientific and technology services by offering fine strain of seeds, information, consultation and technical know-how.

"It also teaches them on the latest methods and techniques in plant cultivation, fertilizer use, livestock breeding, epidemic prevention, agricultural machinery, processing and storage, among others," he said.

Leading the world’s developing countries in agro-scientific research, China, he said, has created a slogan for developing agriculture: "High output, high efficiency and good quality."

New agricultural technology and reform have brought great changes to China’s rural areas during the past decades, Lim said.

He said China considers professional training of its farmers "as a very important area for cooperation with other countries." Since 1979, he said, China has been sending students and scholars abroad to study and observe agricultural science and production methods.

According to him, the country’s State Education Commission undertakes a project plan to develop and reform rural education with the end in view of raising the general education level of farmers and strengthen their capacity to absorb and apply new farm technology.

"Agriculture is the vital battleground in the war against hunger and social upheaval. The Philippines will never prosper unless the government gives agriculture the highest priority in is national recovery agenda," Lim said, adding that the government and the private sector should join hands to make agriculture truly the biggest frontier of national economic development.