By Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is aiming to incorporate top agricultural methods from South Korea during a planned visit in May.
“I’m eager to learn about their best practices, not only in production but also in how they procure and distribute essential goods or inputs to farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned in a spontaneous interview on Monday.
Laurel expressed confidence that the visit would assist the administration in achieving its goals of increasing local production and reducing costs for consumers.
“I also want to examine their farming policies so we can adopt whatever is feasible in our country,” he added.
Laurel also mentioned ongoing efforts for a major collaboration with South Korea.
“Gusto natin mag-invest sila rito ng planta para dito na rin i-assemble at eventually i-manufacture iyong mga equipment na kailangan natin para sa mga farmers (We want them to invest a plant here, wherein assembling and eventually manufacturing of equipment for farmers shall be done),” he said.
Once such investment is realized, more jobs are expected in the country.
Avocado export
Besides this, Laurel said he hopes to expand avocado exportation in Japan, following Hass exports to South Korea.
Hass avocado, a dark green variety that turns to dark purplish-black when ripe, is used in Korea as a salad or sandwich ingredient.
The Korea exportation covers the 2023-2024 Hass avocado season, with supplies sourced from Davao, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.
In September 2023, the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs confirmed the country’s completion of requirements for the entry of the tropical fruit. (PNA)
