Semanan Lanchero honors farmers, ranchers in the CNMI

  Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos called on the community to support local farmers and ranchers and their efforts in promoting traditional and agricultural practices during the signing of a proclamation designated the week of May 21 to 27 as Semanan Lanchero or Farmers’ Week.

“I invite all CNMI residents to support our local farmers and ranchers by purchasing locally grown produce and livestock,” said Inos at the proclamation signing ceremony held Saturday at the Civic Center grounds in Susupe, coinciding with the week’s Sabalu Market.

Witnessing the event were Saipan Agricultural Fair Association committee members and government representatives.

“Agriculture will be here,” said Land and Natural Resources Secretary Arnold Palacios. “We’ve seen many industries come and go but the agriculture industry, despite the many challenges it faces, continues to be a reliable industry in our community.”

Palacios recognized the “hard work and resiliency” of local farmers and ranchers as they continue to exemplify entrepreneurial skills and efforts to further agriculture on the islands. He also commended local initiatives that promote farming in the CNMI.

Northern Marianas College president Sharon Y. Hart, for her part, revealed in her remarks that she grew up in a farm and that farming was her background besides higher education.

“There’s probably no occupation that comes closer to my heart than those of the farming occupation,” said Hart, who also briefly discussed the college’s programs that cater to local farmers such as the NMC Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services and the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program.

“We are really here to help and to do what we can to sustain, in my opinion, what we need here [on] the island. I want to say thank you to all farmers because we could never live without all of you,” added Hart.

Saipan Sabalu Farmers Market president Ramon B. Camacho acknowledged his fellow farmers who, even with the many challenges, continue to strive and “fight hard” knowing that farming is needed on the islands.

“We also thank the valuable customers that continue to patronize our local farmers,” he added.

Saturday’s event was broadcast live via KKMP radio, whose management and staff also expressed their support for the farmers and ranchers in the Commonwealth. Fresh produce were used to provide refreshments to all guests.

Officials present at the proclamation signing also invited the community to take part in the 29th Agricultural Fair on Saturday, May 26, also at the Sabalu Market grounds. The event will culminate the Semanan Lanchero celebration.