Shortage of farmers looms with aging agri workers – TESDA

MANILA, Philippines – The country faces the prospect of a shortage of farmers, with the population of agricultural workers now reportedly aging, according to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA director general Joel Villanueva said there is a need to address the aging population of farmers to prevent a shortage in the near future.

“There is a need to create a steady pool of workers in the agriculture sector considering that the average age of our farmers is around 50 years old,” he said. “This means our farmers are aging and soon, there will be a dearth of farmers in the country.”

Villanueva urged teachers and students nationwide to become involved in agricultural training and take active interest in organic farming.

He said TESDA has various courses in place that can tap and hone the Filipinos’ skills in farming and other agricultural activities.

“TESDA supports agriculture and believes it is a very important sector which contributes to the sustainability of the country. We have to make sure that every Filipino has access to sufficient, safe and healthy food on the table,” Villanueva said.

He said that 219 teachers from Tarlac recently graduated from training in organic-based vegetable production offered by TESDA. They underwent assessment and received certification from the agency.

Organic farming means veering away from the use of pesticides, insecticides and other artificial fertilizers to grow food.

“There is a growing preference for organic food because of the reported negative impact of pesticides and insecticides and the use of artificial ferble farming, which usually happens during the years of conventional conversion. However, experience has shown that yields rebounded when the conversion period ended,” he said.Villanueva assured the public that the cost of organic production is lower than chemical-based production.

The increasing demand for organic products also ensures the market for vegetables. In my visits to farms in Mindanao, I have witnessed many farmers successfully shifting from conventional farming to organic farming. It is not only healthier and safer, it is also more sustainable,” he said. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)