00:00Time and again, the leader of the land has always emphasized the need to help the agriculture sector,
00:06which he believes will be very important to achieve food security.
00:10Thus, the president approved the program of the Department of Science and Technology
00:14that aims to boost the sector through the use of homegrown machineries.
00:18BTB's Kenneth Paciente has more.
00:23To strengthen the agriculture and ensure food security in the country,
00:27President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the program of the Department of Science and Technology
00:32that will empower the agriculture sector through the use of homegrown machinery.
00:36The president approved the local manufacturing capabilities to support agrimechanization program
00:41during a sectoral meeting he led at the palace.
00:44The president pointed out this type of machinery is more cost-effective
00:47compared to the imported ones farmers use.
00:50He noted that these machines and tools have proven to be effective
00:53like the ones distributed by the government to farmers,
00:56such as stowed machines used in harvesting.
00:59The DOST pointed out this shift to locally produced machinery will significantly impact
01:03not only the agriculture sector but the manufacturing industry as well.
01:07According to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum,
01:10mechanization is a key factor in enhancing efficiency and reducing cost in farming,
01:15a point acknowledged by the Agriculture Department.
01:18That is why the DA provides equipment to farmers and cooperatives,
01:21especially through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
01:25He also stressed the agri-machinery sector should be further strengthened
01:28given the country's limited resources.
01:30In this way, more efficient farming practices can be promoted,
01:34which will enhance the productivity of farmers.
01:37The DA supports this program but points out the importance of identifying
01:41which machinery should be prioritized to ensure quality.
01:44Because of this, President Marcos Jr. directed the DOST, DA and other research institutes
01:50to thoroughly research the agrimechanization drive.
01:53He also ordered the proper implementation of the program.
01:56From PTV Manila, Kenneth Paciente, Balitang Pambansa.
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