BPI to pursue more sustainable farming initiatives
Tuesday, 24 January 2012 00:00
THE Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) will focus increasingly on undertaking initiatives for better promoting sustainable farming nationwide to help further boost the Philippine agriculture's competitiveness. "We have to think seriously on making sure we not only produce food but make our farming activities sustainable," said BPI Assistant Director Dr. Henry Carpiso. He raised urgency for sustainable farming, noting most of the country's natural resources are non-renewable. "We need to change some parameters that we are so used to and engage in new methodologies that'll make us more friendly with the environment," he said. Carpiso assured of BPI's efforts to continue helping promote organic farming, noting this sustainable agricultural practice is among the most effective tools in producing safe food.
"Before, our main concern was to make food readily available to the market - now, we put more emphasis on producing food that's safe for human consumption," he said. Last week, BPI marked its 82nd anniversary with the theme "Halaman ay Pagyamanin, Sapat na Pangunahing Pagkain ay Kamtin." "Such calls us to work together as one team as we move towards attaining food sufficiency and security in the very near future," said Carpiso. BPI aims to help Philippine crop farming communities and the local crop industry produce quality, accessible and globally competitive agricultural crops that are profitable for Filipinos. The agency is also tasked with conserving and developing Philippine plant genetic resources as well as ensuring protection and development of the country's plant industry. In line with its mandate, BPI commits meeting clients' needs in plant quarantine, seed quality control, crop production and protection, technology development, agricultural mechanization and laboratory analytical services.
For 2011, BPI reported producing over 154,000 plant breeds, conducting field tests and holding several technical training events. Earlier, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala lauded BPI for its dedication and accomplishments over the decades. "Our farmers truly regard BPI highly - this institution's strength stems from the dedication and capability of its personnel," he said. He and Carpiso also recognized BPI's retired personnel for helping the agency carry out its mandate. "We'll always remember those who came before us and their work which greatly contributed to where we are now," Carpiso said. BPI "will keep the flame burning" and will not rest on its laurels, he added. On January 1, 1930 and by virtue of the Philippine Legislature's Act 3639, the Bureau of Agriculture was split into Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and BPI. Such Act defined the powers and functions of both agencies, tasking BAI with taking over all activities concerning animals, animal diseases and industrialization of animal products and BPI with getting jurisdiction over plant research and crop production. PNA
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