AGRICULTURE Secretary William D. Dar pitched private sector investors to support agriculture to ensure that the sector grows this year.
“We have untapped natural resources, a skilled labor force, and a government that supports investors with favorable national policies and incentives. We will be open to producing more and exporting more,” Mr. Dar said at a briefing in Dubai.
The Philippine agriculture sector accounts for 43% of the workforce.
The crops subsector makes up nearly 60% of agricultural gross value added, led by banana, sugarcane, and mango.
Mr. Dar said that mango was an “untapped product with promising export and investment opportunities.”
He also recommended ventures involving coconut and pineapple.
“Our country’s coconut farmers are among the best in Southeast Asia, leading the world with the export of coconut products. We now have globally competitive processing technologies to power our production and exports with high-quality products,” he said.
“For pineapple, there is ample room for investment in planting materials, post-harvest facilities and technology. Overall, the potential value of our pineapple exports can hit up to $881 million,” he added.
He also cited opportunities in the fisheries sector, specifically for crab and tuna.
“Our waters are also home to an astonishing abundance of wildlife, including tuna. In fact, there are a lot of investment opportunities in tuna management,” he said.
“We can earn much more with sufficient investment in infrastructure and packaging technology,” he added.
Mr. Dar said the government is open to public and private enterprises.
“There are promising investment opportunities in infrastructure and technology in New Clark City, a nascent economic zone. We are expanding to renewable energy and solar irrigation, tapping into role of agri eco-tourism. Our policies allow investors excellent returns for food packaging and warehouses,” he said. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
