NMI eyes increase in agricultural produce

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday held discussion with local farmers in Kagman, in a move that indicates the government’s concrete plans to develop the Commonwealth’s agriculture potential.

The meeting came in the heels of economic diversification efforts by the Tenorio Administration to reduce the CNMI’s dependence on two major business activities that are extra vulnerable to external market and economic forces.

Mr. Tenorio said the government needs the support of the business community and the public sector to develop the Northern Marianas’ untapped resources and potentials, especially those relating to the production of goods here.

In order to minimize importation of farm products, the CNMI plans to heighten efforts in promoting local agricultural development programs through federal financial assistance.

The Commonwealth government is hoping to develop an agreement with the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) for one of its agricultural programs.

Work is now underway to woo USDA to support Northern Marianas’ farmers in maintaining and improving recordation of crop production, and providing assistance for crop damage from typhoon and flood.

Mr. Tenorio said the agriculture division of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources has been instrumental in government efforts to increase vegetable production.

In 1998, the department started the construction of a 100,000-gallon water tank at the Kagman Commercial Farm Plot to provide improved irrigation services to farmers.

Mr. Tenorio said changes have been made in the management of the plots in the Kagman agricultural area to improve the local farmers’ productivity, as well as ensure stability to the system.

DLNR previously revised the plot permits for the area to extend the term limits from one to five years and to set uniform rental fees at a slightly increased rate.

Members of the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture have also been continuously exploring all possible ways to help local fishermen and farmers increase their productivity.

As this developed, the Commonwealth Development Authority and DLNR are laying the ground work for a program that would alleviate the problems faced by local farmers and fishers in marketing their produce.

A memorandum of understanding has been reached with DLNR to carry out a study that would help identify markets where local farmers and fishermen can sell their produce.

The study will be carried out in partnership with biology and agriculture experts from the University of Hawaii’s Small Business Center, according to Ms. Ada.

Commercial grocery stores, with the exception of few establishments, carry frozen agricultural produce like fish and vegetables that were imported from the mainland United States, Micronesia and Asia.