NMI to develop subsistence livelihood

Only about five years before the anticipated pullout of the apparel manufacturing sector and still without an alternative industry on Saipan, the CNMI government is now considering the development of the islands’ agriculture and fisheries potentials to mitigate possible economic impact of the garment sector’s departure.

However, special consultant for budget and finance Mike Sablan said any economic development in the Northern Marianas will continue to be spurred by the very volatile tourism industry, which has been the CNMI’s biggest revenue-generating sector after garment manufacturing.

“Economic development here will be largely driven by development in the tourism industry, although recovery will also depend on diversification,” said Mr. Sablan, adding that agriculture and fisheries are now being seriously considered.

He has raised concerns on the plight of business activities in the CNMI due to the absence of other possible industries that will immediately replace the garment sector once it pulls out of Saipan in 2005 when the agreements that created the World Trade Organization take into effect.

This, even as Mr. Sablan expressed confidence some garment manufacturing companies may still be operating in the Northern Marianas even beyond 2005 although he is concerned that these may also find their way out of the island.

This early, the CNMI government has already restructured its revenue projections as it anticipates conservative earnings from garment exports’ user fee due to criticisms and fabricated allegations hurled against the sector.

Mr. Sablan has even sounded the alarm over possible severe economic disruptions that may be caused by the impending pullout of the garment manufacturing sector.

The Saipan apparel manufacturing industry is expected to uproot from the island when the agreements that created the World Trade Organization takes into effect in 2005.

The agreements eliminate trade quotas to the United States, thereby, stripping the Northern Marianas of its unique duty-free access to the mainland U.S.

Agricultural Development

At the same time, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has instructed concerned government agencies to craft concrete plans that would facilitate the growth and development of the Commonwealth’s agriculture potential.

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.

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.

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.