Today is :

Editorial

When the idea came to me to look closer at agriculture and fisheries mechanization, the first thing that came up into my mind was farm implements and machineries. In a snap, I asked myself, is this right? I consulted some experts and they told me that, yes these two are included but then again, I must expand its perspective to show that it cuts across disciplinary boundaries and specific sectoral concerns.

Going through the notion of mechanization, I noted that it's not limited to farm implements and machineries only. Rather it must include product development, processing including interactions and relationships of people on how these things address the development of and improve the quality of their lives.

The idea of featuring agriculture and fisheries mechanization is long overdue in the realm of research and development (R&D).  The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) however, included this in its R&D priority including extension agenda and programs. It was limited to specialized areas because of the minimal technical expertise it represents.

Today, there is an increasing demand to address this because agriculture and fisheries are now being focused on competitiveness. Global marketing must see to it that products meet standards and quality.  Increasing demands for product standards and quality led in the use of expanded and appropriate programs and activities on mechanization, much more in making these sustainable for continued social and economic development without aggravating the environment.

The second quarter issue of the BAR R&D Digest highlights areas in agriculture and fisheries mechanization with emphasis on commercialization, R&D, education and institutional partnerships including linkage and networking.  Given the diverse topics and ideas presented, BAR, through its programs and activities will surely make things work to make agriculture and fisheries more sustainable with prominence on mechanization by achieving quality and competitive agriculture and fisheries products.

Although, the need is huge, we believe that we can gradually make a difference by setting the directions and by discussing trends in agriculture and fisheries (A/F) engineering and applied technologies for our products.

Proper promotion and dissemination including educating individuals to revisit agriculture and fisheries engineering will help drum beat what was initially started in 1998 on A/F mechanization to include areas for improvement and development.

We, at BAR, enjoin and encourage policymakers, researchers, and extension workers as well as development practitioners and academicians to exert efforts on how to make the program relevant and realistic in ensuring quality and competitive products.  It is only through these concerns and initiatives that the goals of sustainable agriculture and fisheries could be realized.