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DLNR seeks to modernize CNMI agri industry
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources is focusing on developing programs to improve farming and ranching techniques in the CNMI.
According to DLNR Secretary Richard Seman, he is concerned about the scarcity of land in the Commonwealth, “which provides hardship for both farmers and ranchers.”
Seman said his department is working with the Northern Marians College-Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Service in the creation and conception of techniques to be used on the island’s agriculture.
“I am working closely with NMC-CREES in the establishment and new ideas to be implemented…in terms of new technology, new techniques to maximize what little land you have to provide you optimum yield,” Seman said.
He noted that most people in the agricultural industry in the CNMI still use traditional farming. Although there is nothing wrong with it, new technologies and techniques can also be introduced, he said.
Among the ideas he is looking at is small size cattle and hydroponic farming.
“Right now the people are farming traditionally, the way they have learned for many years, and that’s okay. But also, we shouldn’t be ignoring the fact that things have already changed,” Seman said. “Part of the reason why they are having difficulty right now with lack of water, lack of farmland, is that we farmed the same way over and over.”
Seman said DLNR will be providing some land to NMC-CREES for this purpose.
“I am providing as much support as possible for CREES to help them develop some of the program that they need to implement in order for them to be able to convey to the farmers how to utilize new technology and new techniques and that means I might have to provide them some area within the DLNR farm area like in As Perdido,” Seman said.
