BAR TODAY || Official Quarterly Publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

A consultation meeting on the proposed DA RDE Programs on Seeds and Tree Crops went underway between the Bureau of Agricultural Research representatives and Farmer Organizations. It was held last September 4, 1999 at the ATI/BAR Conference Room.

Representatives from BUKLOD, BUGKOS, KABAKAS, PASAKA, KMMN, KAMMPIL, ACOFAS, MOFAS, BUKLURAN, BARBAI, KBMP and DOCOFAI discussed with BAR consultant Dr. Saturnina Halos and PDU Head Cecilia Baquireza their insights regarding the implementation of the Seeds Action program, Tree Crops and Diversification Project, and holding of Agricultural Fairs.

Headed by Mr. Romulo Tapayan of Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Pilipinas, the farmers suggested that BAR conduct initial visits and inspeL'tions of the farming areas to effectively choose which are best suited for the projects. They expressed their interest to be part of the programs and pledged their assistance to BAR in this undertaking.

The participants discussed several areas in the programs that needed immediate action and considerations to make it more beneficial and favorable to farmer organizations.

In the Seed Action program, problems on seed distributions, cartels, and the establishment of the Philippine Corn Research Institute were brought up.

According to the farmers, interventions of Local Government Units in seed distribution have been disadvantageous to them because these have caused delays and detainment of food supplies. The farmers suggested that national agencies should instead identify people's organizations as the conduit for seed distribution to assure that farmers get the seeds fairly and on time.

In the same manner, the farmers prefer that the organizations choose their own representatives to be trained in seed production. This will ensure that information and technologies learned during the training will be transferred directly and more efficiently to the other members.

The one-kilo scheme of certified seed distribution also poses a problem to farmers. In conducting tests for new rice seedlings, the scheme provides that a group of farmers will be given one-kilo of seedling per hectare to cultivate and nurture, after which the yield shall be divided by the members of the group for their own disposal and use. The farmers explained that the amount of seeds produced will not be sufficient for all the members and should therefore, be increased.

The farmers also appealed to the government for the removal of rice and corn cartels. With middlemen dictating the price of their produce, the farmers will not be guaranteed profitable rice and corn farming even with the provision of
good quality seeds.

Mr. Romulo Tapayan, in behalf of the other member organizations however, expressed appreciation for the concentration of the agricultural sector on white corn research and development. He assured BAR of their commitment in lobbying for the establishment of the Philippine Corn Research Institute and the release of R & D budget as provided for by AFMA.

Also discussed during the consultation meeting was the implementation of the Tree Crops project. It was agreed upon that the BAR should conduct field visits and personally evaluate the situation in the farmers' fields to assess the feasibility of the project.

The project aims to give farmers the opportunity to be entrepreneurs by setting nurseries for the supply of high quality planting materials/ stocks or by establishing tree crop plantations.

According to the farmers, tree crops should be established in contiguous areas so that integrated tree crop farming could be implemented. They also advised that indigenous peoples' land be utilized for the project since trees make up its environment and because of its considerable area coverage.

To realize their potentials as entrepreneurs, the farmers asked for assistance in production level training and product processing.

Also addressed was pest and disease management in tree planting materials and stocks. According to the farmers, the quality of stocks could be affected and therefore quarantine should strictly be implemented.

Lastly, the participants discussed the holding of Agricultural Fairs. It will showcase the latest developments in farm products, field practices, and planting methods indigenous to the different farming areas. Incentives in the form of awards and recognition will be given to further encourage farmers to develop and improve their farming techniques. The farmers expressed their willingness to participate on the condition that national agencies will organize the activity.

Through this consultation, the BAR has taken a valuable step to see the other side of the fence, the farmers' side of the story. It is with this that the BAR hopes to implement the programs in the best interest of the farmer organizations and improve the farmers' status in the country.