Research and Development a must for sustainable agriculture

Philippine Information Agency, Iloilo City. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region VI pushed for strong research and development efforts for sustainable agriculture, during the R&D symposium held here recently. OIC Regional Executive Director Jindra Linda L. Demetrio said that it is the vision of the agency to develop a facility enabling Filipino scientists and research institutions to become technological innovators.

Director Demetrio said, that sustainable agriculture must employ appropriate technology and inputs to produce more using new knowledge and innovations generated by research. She asked the more than 500 scientists from the sectors of the academe, farmer leaders, agriculture students who attended the R & D Symposium, to "ensure the development of agriculture by giving accurate responses to the expectations of producers and decision makers through quality research."

Likewise, she also cited the efforts of the Western Visayas Agricultural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC), in formulating a strategy that would allows partnership for the solution of problems in fishery and agriculture in the country. Demetrio added that government and non-government organizations should work together to enhance the Filipino farmers' knowledge and skills, by taking advantage of the many opportunities of partnership offered by the private sectors in the conduct of research. She further said that with globalization, a shift to development of land and water resources is expected to be more rewarding and profitable endeavors.

Philippine Informaion Agency The R&D Symposium is a regular activity of the 27 member agencies of the WESVARRDEC.

Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p050912.htm&no=5