The city government here is eyeing a PHP76-million budget this year to boost agriculture projects to improve the lives of local farmers.

“We will empower this sector, which I believe is a pillar in attaining our perspective for sustainable development,” Mayor Joseph Evangelista said Monday, as he announced the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s approval of the PHP1-billion annual budget for 2021.

Evangelista said the local government unit (LGU) seeks to implement programs to guarantee competitive prices on all farm products from the local farmers, particularly palay, corn, and fruits.

Parallel programs would also serve local fisherfolk, livestock, and poultry growers, he added.

Evangelista said the LGU also plans to sign an agreement with farmers’ associations to efficiently provide ample farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.

In addition. he said the LGU will directly purchase the products of local farmers based on the ‘current farm gate prices’ to be delivered to competent larger markets outside the province.

“I also suggest to impose diversified farming of viable products that could double their income at any given season of the year,” Evangelista said.

The local government, he added, will also purchase a backhoe exclusively to support the fisherfolk in excavating ponds, three units of refrigerated vans to traverse meat and vegetable products, and a feed mill for poultry and livestock productions.

Existing “demo farms,” he said, will be fitted with a greenhouse, hydroponic facilities, tilapia breeding stations, dairy, and free-range chicken production. Evangelista said they target to launch such projects in the second quarter. (PNA)