Aquino signs law on agriculture modernization

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the law that will further modernize the agriculture and fisheries sector, the presidential palace said today.

The Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law mandates the state to promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-effective and environmentally-safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency in order to achieve food security and safety and increase farmers' income.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will craft a five-year National Agri-Fishery Program to promote a conducive-environment for the local assembling and manufacturing of equipment for agricultural and fisheries production, processing and marketing.

Local government units, through an ordinance, shall also formulate in consultation with the DA and implement their respective provincial, city and municipal agricultural and fishery mechanization plans as a vital component of their respective local development plans.

The use of renewable and nonconventional energy such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass and other farm-based energy sources shall be promoted as power sources for the operation and maintenance of agricultural and fisheries machinery, according to the law.

All manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers and importers must register with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering within six months upon enactment of the law.