DA chief should be independent

This is in reaction to “6 old priorities for new DA chief” (Business, 8/9/19).

New Agriculture Secretary William Dar should maximize the support services of 17,000 rural agricultural extension technicians and workers whose functions were devolved to local government units. The Department of Agriculture (DA) should reassume supervision of these field people, known in the 70s as “agents of change.”

Rural banks, in cooperation with the DA and the Cooperative Development Authority, should be fully utilized as conduit banks to extend agri loans to farmers. Landbank should also consider accrediting rural banks.

The DA should also train agri management officers. Farming is a business endeavor, and agri managers should learn the basics of management and impart these to farmers.

In order to succeed, the new agriculture secretary should submit a comprehensive plan to revive the moribund agriculture industry, and should not be
under the influence or dictates of politicians.

ISIDRO C. VALENCIA,
Taguig City