By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Friday, Oct.21 discussed with the agriculture cluster of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to ensure food security in the country.
PSAC recommended to Marcos the use of digital farming methods and supply chain improvement strategies as well as to study the policies and structures of the National Food Authority that will serve as an aid to the government.
Marcos conveyed his plan to institutionalize the Department of Science and Technology’s digital platform Sarai.
Through the data gathered from Diwata microsatellite of the DOST, farmers and fisherfolk will be able to access real-time and updated information on farm, weather, and flooding conditions as well disease detection and infestation.
Marcos also ordered an increase in replanting of coconut trees and distribution of seedlings to improve the livelihood of farmers.
The President also ordered the Department of Agriculture to look over the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) law that will be an additional help for the income of fisher folks.