MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored his vow to modernize the country’s agriculture sector, saying that P92.4 billion is earmarked in the 2024 budget to develop the agri-fishery industry.
The President, the concurrent Agriculture secretary, said the administration is committed to enhancing the country’s agricultural productivity.
“This administration is steering the growth of our fisheries and farming industries with urgency. With a substantial budget of P85.88 billion for 2023, and a proposed budget of P92.4 billion for 2024, I am optimistic that we can propel the modernization of our agri-fisheries sector,” Marcos said in his speech at the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Federation of Free Farmers.
According to Marcos, as of 2023, the Department of Agriculture has invested P4.73 billion in large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization.
“You have my assurance that the government is striving to implement efficient mechanization strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and to ensure the optimal yield at an affordable cost,” said Marcos.
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