Chapter 4. Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector This chapter discusses strategic policy framework to attain the potential of the agriculture and fisheries sector in support of the inclusive growth and poverty alleviation objectives of the MIMAROPA region. By the end of 2016, the agriculture and fisheries sector shall have attained (a) improved food security and increased rural income, (b) increased sector resilience to climate change risks and (c) enhanced policy environment and governance.

I. Assessment Agriculture is one of the primary growth drivers in the MIMAROPA Region. Major crops are rice, corn, banana, calamansi, cashew and coconut. MIMAROPA’s share to the country’s total rice production is 5.72 percent with Oriental and Occidental Mindoro as top contributors which earned them the title as “Rice Granary” of the region. However, average yield for the past three years is 3.46 metric tons (MT) per hectare. This is lower than the country’s average yield of 3.71 MT per hectare. One factor that contributed to low yield is low level of developed area for irrigation, accounting for only 40 percent, as of 2011, or 74,120 hectares out of the potentially irrigable area of 182,030 hectares (Refer to Table 4.1). Table 4.1 Palay Production, Metric Tons per Hectare (MT/Ha), MIMAROPA, 2010-2012 Year

Philippines

MIMAROPA

Occidental Mindoro

Oriental Mindoro

Marinduque

Palawan

Romblon

2010 2011 2012

3.62 3.68 3.84

3.27 3.63 3.67

3.53 3.93 4.00

3.37 3.64 3.57

2.77 2.84 2.69

2.9 3.41 3.58

3.15 3.25 3.30

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

MIMAROPA contributed 1.46 percent to the country’s total corn production mainly from Occidental Mindoro and Palawan. The region’s yield from 2010 to 2012 with an average of 3.24 MT/hectare is notably higher than the country’s average yield of 2.72 MT/hectare. Corn is usually used as an alternate crop for rice which only takes one cropping per year. Yearly production is consistently increasing by an average of 13.97 percent which is a good indicator (Refer to Table 4.2). Table 4.2 Corn Production, Metric Ton per Hectare (MT/Ha), MIMAROPA, 2010-2012 Year

Philippines

MIMAROPA

Occidental Mindoro

Oriental Mindoro

Marinduque

Palawan

Romblon

2010 2011 2012

2.55 2.74 2.86

2.95 3.18 3.56

3.47 3.81 4.07

2.39 2.01 2.69

0.95 0.98 0.99

1.69 2.4 2.67

1.15 1.11 1.04

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

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Banana crop production in the MIMAROPA Region contributes 2.16 percent of the country’s total production. The region’s banana yield from 2010 to 2012 is only 7.89 MT/hectare which is too low compared to the country’s yield of 20.31 MT/hectare. “Saba” is the common variety being produced in MIMAROPA. It is smaller in size compared to the Cavendish of Mindanao which has high demand in the world market. Cavendish is also grown in plantations in Mindanao while saba in MIMAROPA is mostly being intercropped with coconut. Banana growers in MIMAROPA do not practice fertilization which may be a factor of low yield (Refer to Table 4.3). On the other hand, it is important to note that saba has great potential for industrial processing to add more value and generate jobs. This provides an opportunity for farmers to enhance their productivity through technology support from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and concerned agencies like DA and DOST. Table 4.3 Banana Production, Metric Tons per Hectare, MIMAROPA, 2010-2012 Year

Philippines

MIMAROPA

2010 2011 2012

20.25 20.36 20.31

7.9 8.36 7.4

Occidental Mindoro 4.82 4.99 4.95

Oriental Mindoro 9.72 10.31 8.87

Marinduque

Palawan

Romblon

1.78 1.79 1.79

3.78 4.08 4.29

4.3 4.34 3.48

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

In terms of calamansi production, MIMAROPA has a very high contribution to the country’s total production at 57.49 percent with Oriental Mindoro as the country’s biggest producer/contributor. However, production is declining by an average of 3.24 percent in the region. The unstable market value of the commodity relative to supply and demand may have been the cause of the decline. Price of calamansi is very low during peak season. There are no medium to large scale processing activities to cater to this crop. Only small/household level processors are present to utilize this resource (Refer to Table 4.4). Table 4.4 Calamansi Production, Metric Tons per Hectare (MT/Ha), MIMAROPA, 20102012 Year

Philippines

MIMAROPA

Occidental Mindoro

Oriental Mindoro

Marinduque

Palawan

Romblon

2010 2011 2012

8.97 8.63 8.59

13.74 13.19 13.19

2.84 3.29 3.02

14.84 14.25 14.52

2.6 2.48 2.48

1.14 1.16 1.24

3.12 2.93 2.87

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

MIMAROPA also produces mango but only contributed at an average of 1.28% for the country’s total production from 2010 to 2012. Among the MIMAROPA provinces, Palawan had the highest average production in the said period which comprised 74% of the region’s total produce. An increasing trend in mango production was also observed for the past three years. It is likewise attributed to the extent of its cropping coverage in the province. However, mango pulp weevils affected the quality of produce particularly in Southern Palawan (Puerto Princesa City to Bataraza). On the other hand, Occidental Mindoro has recorded the highest yield per hectare among the MIMAROPA provinces (Refer to Table 4.5).

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Table 4.5 Mango Production, Metric Tons per Hectare (MT/Ha), MIMAROPA, 2010-2012 Year

Philippines

MIMAROPA

2010 2011 2012

4.36 4.21 4.07

2.47 2.49 2.56

Occidental Mindoro 5.36 5.04 4.75

Oriental Mindoro 0.95 0.93 0.88

Marinduque

Palawan

Romblon

0.26 0.25 0.23

3.67 3.75 3.88

0.67 0.68 0.74

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

Cashew which lately earned high market demand for its medicinal value is vastly produced in the region as reflected on its share to total national production at 94.31 percent with Palawan as the biggest producer. From 2010 to 2012, the average yield of 4.95 MT/hectare in the region is higher than the average national yield of 4.73 MT/hectare. For the given three-year period, there was a slight decline in yield which could be attributed to the aging of trees that cause senility while only few farmers practice replanting (Refer to Table 4.6). Table 4.6 Cashew Production, Metric Tons per Hectare (MT/HA), MIMAROPA, 2010-2012 Year

Philippines

MIMAROPA

2010 2011 2012

4.79 4.73 4.68

5.00 4.94 4.90

Occidental Mindoro 1.93 1.91 1.95

Oriental Mindoro

Marinduque

Palawan

Romblon

5.01 4.95 4.91

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

Livestock production in the region is generally aimed at attaining meat sufficiency and increasing the income of the farmers. Ascending cattle population trend was observed due to massive artificial insemination. However, a decrease in the population of carabao was also evident due to uncontrolled slaughtering. Because of the growing preference for the use of machineries the carabao is losing its value as draft animal. Swine recorded an increase of 20,105 from 2010 to 2012 driven by higher market demand for native pigs. The trend motivated the practice of organic agriculture. The increase of 5,493 in the population of goats in the region from 2010 to 2012 was attributed to the better liveweight prices and higher demand of Metro Manila Traders for chevon being a healthier source of meat. Poultry products also recorded a notable increase from 2010 to 2012 with 168,176 for chicken and 183,982 for ducks. The increase was driven by the greater demand for native chicken and duck eggs for “balot” and salted egg production (Refer to Table 4.7).

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Table 4.7 Livestock and Poultry, Inventory (Number of Heads), MIMAROPA, 2010-2012

Source: Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA

Fishery is another major gross domestic product (GDP) contributor in the MIMAROPA region. Since the region is archipelagic in nature, the bodies of water surrounding the islands have been the main source of livelihood of many local folks residing along the coastlines. In 2011, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) recorded an average of 728,972 MT of fish catch in MIMAROPA but in 2012, it went down to 685,648 MT or 13.5 percent lower than that of the previous year which may be attributed to overfishing and lax implementation of fishery laws (findings based on BFAR National Stock Assessment). Decline in fish catch was more prominent in municipal fishing. In 2011, MIMAROPA recorded an average of 9,451,955.65 MT in municipal fishing. The following year, it declined to 9,231,993.74 MT and further went down to 4, 677,781.18 MT in 2013. The notable decline is attributed to illegal fishing practices such as use of dynamite, cyanide and fine mesh net including entry of illegal unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing activities of commercial fishing vessels (CFVs). Should the said practices continue, marine fishery resource reserve will decline which would directly affect the marginal fisherfolks. (Refer to Table 4.8)

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Table 4.8 Fishery Production per Sector in Metric Tons, MIMAROPA, 2011-2013

Source: Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - MIMAROPA

The territorial disputes at the Western Philippine Sea have also affected the fish catch in the region manifested by gradual loss of fishing grounds. Since it is a national concern, the national government has to come-up with effective solutions to ensure that the future of the constituents in the area is not compromised. Forestry as another subsector of agriculture is seen to help drive the regional economy. Production area in the vast forest of the region are potential source of livelihood to many upland farmers. Fruits trees and timber plantation are included in the National Greening Program (NGP) of the DENR. Research and Development (R&D) that will provide greater technology adoption could improve existing productivity and create new products. This could be observed not only for agricultural products but also for the industry and services. MIMAROPA Region should increase its activities, personnel and expenditure for research and development in order to equalize to level-up with CALABARZON and NCR (Refer to Table 4.9 and 4.10) Table 4.9 R&D Expenditures by Region and by Sector, 2009

Source: *DOST 2009 R&D Survey; **NSO's ASPBI

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Table 4.10 R&D Personnel by Region and by Sector, 2009 Region

Government

Higher Education Public Private 5,474 1,698 927 674 313 37 237 17 175 100 406 79 1,287 90 82 29 208 53 339 64 258 234 424 43

Total NCR CAR Reg.1 Reg.2 Reg.3 Reg. 4A Reg. 4B Reg.5 Reg.6 Reg.7 Reg.8

3,063 1,662 51 107 94 337 235 28 52 87 36 38

Reg.9 Reg.10 Reg.11 Reg.12

69 54 83 46

144 204 189 187

7 26 157 17

Reg.13

71

77

55

ARMM

15

15

15

Private Non-Profit Institution 387 149

19 171

8

19 19

Source: DOST 2009 R&D Survey

II. Issues and Challenges Based on the data above some issues are evident and are mostly related to productivity. Sectoral consultations were conducted and validated these as follows:  

  



Statistics on agriculture are not too reliable such as conflict on local and national data. Productivity of major products could not be sustained either due to limited market, appropriate distribution scheme, limited technology adoption and implementation of laws/policies. Among these are coconut, cashew, fishery products, carabao. Farmers lack entrepreneurial mindset or market driven farming and stick to subsistence farming. Limited support on infrastructure, farm inputs, credit, marketing and value adding. Only 40 percent of the potentially irrigable area is developed. Limited private investment in terms of land development, farm modernization, commercial crop production and agro-processing. Crop production is not integrated with livestock industry. There is no commercial production of feed mill in the region to support livestock industry. Continuous research and development activities to support production and processing as well as vulnerability of crops/livestock to natural hazards and impact of climate change.

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III. Strategic Framework Figure 4.1 Objective Tree for Agriculture Development Sector Regional Development Outcome

Increasing number of MIMAROPANS benefitting from productive agriculture supported with efficient infrastructure facilities, adequate social services and favorable economic opportunities; and committed as stewards of the region's natural monuments and cultural heritage.

Sector Outcome

MIMAROPANs engaged in more broad-based productive livelihood activities applying sustainable natural resource utilization practices.

Intermediate Outcomes

Appropriate Agriculture and Fisheries production technologies and inputs applied by farmers and fisherfolks.

Policy Recommendations Comparative advantage on agriculture of the region could be strengthened through further enhancing its productivity to create greater opportunities of increasing the number micro-small-medium enterprises and activities. Agriculture shall be integrated into tourism to attain rural development that will generate more jobs and income. These require the following strategies:

Data Generation Foster efficient coordination between and among national and local statistical agencies/units through the Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC)

Public and Private Investments Promote private investment in agricultural modernization, specialization, diversification, agri-business and agro-processing activities and complementation of crop production with livestock development  Integrated crop management, postharvest quality management, good agricultural practices and integrated pest management  Promote zoning, clustering and consolidation of production areas for crops and livestock Strengthen support for public investments on farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, irrigation, marketing, bagsakan centers and technology adoption

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

Prioritize repair/rehabilitation of inefficient/damaged irrigation system while developing more efficient irrigation system to increase productivity in palay

Laws and Policies Strict implementation and close monitoring of:  Fishery laws particularly in areas covered by the Tablas Strait including illegal fishing, buying and selling  Total ban in cutting of coconut trees for at least 5 years  Protection of primary agricultural lands from conversion to other land uses

Marketing and Linkages Develop new agricultural products and explore new markets for supply of major crops aside from Metro Manila and CALABARZON.  Venture in production of organic crops/farming and indigenous fruits as component of agri-tourism  Enhance productivity major crops/commodities driven by market demand, e.g., supply to Metro Manila and CALABARZON;  Improve the partnership between the farming communities and the market players;  Convert subsistent farmers into active partners in agri-industry by federating the farmers and eventually engage them to more viable processing and value adding activities.  Intensify One Town-One Product (OTOP) strategy to boost agriculture and tourism in all areas of the region with the perspective that “good products attract tourism”.  Identification of strategic area per province to implement and operationalize convergence initiatives among LGUs and RLAs which will lead to focused and organized communities with strengthened role in the agriculture sector including monitoring of farm productivity and income.

Research and Development/Climate Change Adaptation     

Manage the adverse impacts of geohazards through integrated hazard assessment involving development cum mitigation planning, implementation and adoption of mitigating measures Promote intensive root crops production as alternative food source for disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation for small islands Strengthen networks with agricultural research institutions, e.g., PCAARD. Preparation of research proposals to produce climate-resilient varieties of crops/livestock and fishery as well as appropriate farming practices/approaches Consider value chain and supply analysis such as completed studies/researches for the region to ensure viability of the product

Programs/Projects/Activities   

Philippine Rural Development Project-Provincial Commodity Investment Plan Establishment of marine sanctuaries Baseline survey/mapping of indigenous crops/fruits in the region

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       

62

Conduct of training/seminar to barangay level for livelihood projects/programs Provision of Other Livelihood Programs to Cocofarmers Rice Program Corn Cassava Program High Value Crops Development Program Livestock Program Irrigation Development Projects Creation of Regional Convergence Council on Agriculture and Fishery Development (SUCs, DA, DOST, DTI, DOLE)

MIMAROPA Updated Regional Development Plan 2011-2016