Best roads, bridges key to reduce the cost of farm goods

The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to improve the country’s roads and bridges to facilitate the flow of farm products and to increase the cost of transportation and increase food safety.

Agricultural Secretary Francisco Diu Laurel Jr.

“The importance of a strong road and bridge network in agriculture, especially in an island such as the Philippines, cannot be exaggerated,” Laurel said in a statement.

“Agriculture depends heavily on logistics and directly affects the cost and effectiveness of the transport infrastructure inputs and production,” he said.

Laurel noted that well -maintained roads and bridges can reduce transport costs, reduce spoil and allow farmers to bring their goods to the market quickly. This is likely to translate it to consumers for a more stable price, he said.

The problem with the country’s roads and bridges will be especially important in the rice industry, the DA said.

During the latest Multiyar budget planning session of the agency, Laurel noted that the cost of traffic in Thailand and Vietnam was low due to the best road conditions. The trucks in these countries can go from 8 to 10 tonnes in the Philippines than the 41 tonnes.

“The best infrastructure activates the most efficient distribution chain, which reduces the costs from the farm to the market,” he said.

Many Philippine farmers and traders overload trucks to reduce costs, which DA explained that damages roads and bridges.

It further stated that the trucks were loaded with high loads or beyond the recommended limits, leading to the collapse of many bridges across Lucon and Visayas in recent years.

Some bridges, even though they are estimated to specific loads, have been pushed beyond their limits due to excessive load.

“The DPWH Manual calls for regular bridge studies and load assessment updates, but the implementation is weak.

Scheduled discussions between DA and DPWH are aimed at identifying key areas for road and bridge upgrades, especially in major agricultural regions.

“Although it is a long -standing effort to improve infrastructure, it is necessary for the agriculture sector,” the DA said.

“Investing in traffic infrastructure is not just a need -this is essential for national growth and prosperity.”