MANILA — Filipino retirees interested in farming should undergo training, according to Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa. He emphasized the necessity of acquiring sufficient knowledge to ensure a higher success rate in agriculture.
“People often think that farming post-retirement is easy, but agriculture is a science. One cannot simply venture into farming without prior experience or training,” De Mesa explained. He cautioned that without proper preparation, retirees risk depleting their savings and retirement funds.
De Mesa stressed the importance of readiness and planning for retirement-aged individuals considering a transition to farming. “While retirement may seem distant, those planning to venture into agriculture need to prepare themselves both technically and financially. Being 100 percent ready upon retirement will enable them to dive into farming confidently,” he added.
According to De Mesa, being adequately prepared will significantly increase their chances of success in the farming sector. “Their retirement savings and hard-earned money will not go to waste. Their success rate will be higher,” he affirmed.
Citing recent data, De Mesa noted that the median age of farmers in the Philippines is currently around 56 to 57 years old. He also highlighted the importance of mechanization in agriculture for boosting production and improving farmers’ quality of life.
(el Amigo/MNM)
