THE Department of Agriculture said it is seeking to include fuel subsidy, fertilizer and irrigation programs to the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA).
“I have instructed the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to find the means to expand the services and benefits from the (SIDA) to include fuel subsidy, fertilizer programs, irrigation, and more inclusive farm mechanization initiatives,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a speech.
SIDA, also known as Republic Act 10659, seeks to raise the competitiveness of the sugarcane industry and improve incomes of farmers and workers.
He added that the SRA was also directed to establish a new breeding program for sugarcane and acquire better-yielding varieties from overseas.
“We will be submitting a formal proposal soon for Congress to approve this under the SIDA budget,” SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona said in a Viber message.
For 2025, P1 billion was allocated for SIDA programs under the National Expenditure Plan.
Currently 50% of SIDA funds go to the construction of farm-to-market roads. The remaining funds are allocated to research and mechanization, socialized credit, block farm development, with 10% dedicated to scholarships.
“I also initiated talks with representatives from Japan and we will pursue talks with Tokyo University which proposed to introduce new technology that will help make our mills more efficient and productive,” Mr. Azcona added.
He said that the SRA has also started to grow higher-yielding sugar cane varieties from Japan.
“Hopefully we will get good results to start a new breeding program for these varieties,” he added.
“We had to bring in seed, not cuttings, due to restrictions and so it will take some time,” Mr. Azcona said.
During the second quarter sugarcane production dropped 42.3% year on year to 1.63 million metric tons, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. — Adrian H. Halili
