Farmers need assistance

We are nearing a dangerous point where soaring food prices can create an economic instability. Agriculture can play an important role in staving off the crisis. But for it to bail us from the impending crisis, the government must remove its bias against agriculture, said Gonzalo Catan Jr., president of Mapecon Green Charcoal Philippines said.

Agriculture is vital to the economy. It comprises one fifth of  the country’s domestic product and livelihood to more than 40 percent of the population, and six percent of the country’s export.

Despite its importance, however, farmers remain among the poorest in the country. With the investment climate so biased against the industry, its growth has for years been in the decline. Worse, farmers are discouraging their children from taking agri courses and instead get white collar jobs or jobs abroad.

For agriculture to be a catalyst for development, much has to be done, and  farmers must be guaranteed fruitful returns for their back-breaking work. – Gerry Constantino, Muntinlupa City.