Binay lays down agriculture program at 1st presidential debate

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday laid down his program to modernize the agriculture sector of the country.

During the Commission on Elections presidential debates here, Binay promised a government that would subsidize the farmers.

He also said he would scrap the irrigation fee to ease the expenses of farmers.

Binay also vouched for the support granted under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to give assistance to farmers and increase productivity.

“Imo-modernize natin ang agrikultura. Napakaliit ng kontribusyon sa Gross Domestic Product (GDP) natin. Maganda ang intention ng CARP to make the lands productive,” Binay said.

Binay also cited the problem of post-harvest production, saying that farmers suffer more losses in post-harvest than what they earn from their harvest.

“Mas malaki ang nawawala sa post-harvest kay sa dun sa kinikita,” Binay said.

Binay also stressed the importance of giving capital and infrastructure to farmers.

Binay also said government should subsidize high-yield crops, such as rice and coconut, to increase productivity.

“’Yan po ay ginawa namin sa Makati. Ang mga mahihirap, suportado ng pamahalaan,” Binay said. JE

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