By Jessie R. Valdez

Manila (8 May) -- The planned P2-billion investment for “national grains highway” by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to address the problem on post-harvest losses due to calamities and middlemen who pose burden to the people is an enterprising move for both farmers and consumers.

Farmers, crop growers and even cooperatives will surely welcome this move and are motivated to avail of financial assistance to be able to yield more production especially when those loans have low-interest and tax subsidies.

In a report, DA Secretary Arthur Yap explained, the “national grains highway” would bridge the wide gap between farm gate costs and retail prices of basic food items.

Through this method, DA is optimistic it will make food available to the people since it will link rice and corn production in areas with major consumption centers as well as in remote areas that are prone to calamities or disasters.

With the creation of the “national grains highway”, it will not only produce higher farm output but will also generate jobs since it employs farmers and fishermen particularly in the countryside.

Since yield will be doubled, farmers then can get rid of inefficient, costly & slow transport mobility of agricultural products from farmers/producers to selling centers as well as solve food scarcity.

With the P2-billion in place for the said project, Sec. Yap is hopeful that food will be sufficient, not only on rice and corn but will also include meat/poultry and other high value crops and this will also generates more income.