What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice and science of cultivating plants and raising animals for food,
fiber, medicinal plants, and other products to sustain and enhance human life. It involves various
activities such as soil cultivation, planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest control, and animal
husbandry. Agriculture plays a crucial role in providing food security, supporting rural
economies, and contributing to environmental sustainability. It encompasses a wide range of
practices, from traditional subsistence farming to modern industrial agriculture, and includes
diverse fields such as agronomy, horticulture, livestock management, and agricultural
engineering.
Branches of Agriculture
Agriculture is a broad field encompassing various branches or sub-disciplines, each
focusing on different aspects of farming, food production, and natural resource management.
Some of the main branches of agriculture include:
Agronomy. Focuses on crop production and soil management, including aspects such as
crop selection, planting, cultivation techniques, and soil fertility management.
Horticulture. Deals with the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and
other crops, often in controlled environments such as greenhouses or orchards.
Animal Husbandry. Involves the breeding, care, and management of domesticated
animals for various purposes, including meat, milk, eggs, wool, and other products.
Agricultural Engineering. Focuses on the design, development, and implementation of
machinery, equipment, and infrastructure used in agricultural production, such as tractors,
irrigation systems, and storage facilities.
Agricultural Economics. Studies the economic aspects of agriculture, including
production, distribution, consumption, and market trends, as well as policies and regulations
affecting the agricultural sector.
Agribusiness. Involves the management, marketing, and financial aspects of agricultural
enterprises, including farm management, food processing, distribution, and retailing.
Soil Science. Examines the properties, composition, and fertility of soils, as well as their
management and conservation for sustainable agriculture.
Agricultural Biotechnology. Focuses on the application of biotechnology techniques to
improve crop yields, enhance pest and disease resistance, and develop genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) for agricultural purposes.
These branches of agriculture often overlap and integrate, reflecting the interdisciplinary
nature of agricultural science and practice.
History of Agriculture in the Philippines
 The history of agriculture in the Philippines spans thousands of years, characterized by a
rich tapestry of indigenous farming practices, colonial influences, and modern agricultural
development initiatives. Here's an overview along with references:
Pre-Colonial Era. Prior to Spanish colonization, the Philippines had a sophisticated
agricultural system. Indigenous peoples practiced various forms of subsistence agriculture,
including wet rice cultivation, terracing, and agroforestry. Staple crops included rice, corn, root
crops, and fruits. (Reference: "The Philippines: A Singular and a Plural Place" by David Joel
Steinberg)
Spanish Colonial Period (1521-1898). Spanish colonization introduced new crops such
as sugarcane, tobacco, and coffee. The encomienda system and later the hacienda system led to
the concentration of landownership among Spanish elites, which marginalized indigenous
farmers. Forced labor was also prevalent in agricultural production. (Reference: "History of the
Filipino People" by Teodoro A. Agoncillo and Milagros C. Guerrero)
American Colonial Period (1898-1946). American rule brought about significant
changes in Philippine agriculture. Policies such as the Homestead Act and the Public Land Act
promoted land ownership among Filipinos. The American colonial government also introduced
modern agricultural techniques, improved infrastructure, and established agricultural schools.
Cash crops like coconut and abaca became major exports. (Reference: "Philippine History and
Government" by Sonia M. Zaide)
Japanese Occupation and World War II (1942-1945). The Japanese occupation
disrupted agricultural production, leading to widespread food shortages and famine. Guerrilla
movements emerged in rural areas, affecting agricultural activities.

Post-Independence Era. After gaining independence in 1946, the Philippine government

focused on agrarian reform to address land tenure issues and promote rural development. Various
initiatives were launched, including the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963 and subsequent
land reform programs. However, landlessness and inequality persisted, contributing to social
unrest in rural areas. (Reference: "Agricultural Reform in the Philippines: A Review of Issues,
Schemes, and Policies" by Cielito F. Habito)
Modern Era. In recent decades, the Philippines has grappled with challenges such as land
degradation, climate change, and globalization. Efforts have been made to promote sustainable
agriculture, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
Government programs such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and the
National Greening Program aim to address these issues. (Reference: Various reports from the
Philippine Department of Agriculture)
These references provide a comprehensive overview of the history of agriculture in the
Philippines, from pre-colonial times to the present day, highlighting key developments,
challenges, and initiatives in agricultural development.
Notable Filipino Agriculturist
Several notable figures have made significant contributions to agriculture in the
Philippines through their innovations, research, and advocacy. Here are a few:
Bienvenido O. Juliano. A renowned Filipino agricultural scientist known for his research
in rice genetics and breeding. He developed several high-yielding rice varieties, contributing to
increased rice production in the Philippines. Juliano's work significantly impacted the country's
rice industry and food security.
Rafael D. Guerrero III. A marine biologist and aquaculturist recognized for his
pioneering work in sustainable aquaculture and coastal resource management. Guerrero played a
crucial role in the development of integrated coastal management approaches in the Philippines,
promoting environmental conservation and livelihood improvement for coastal communities.
William Dar. A prominent agricultural economist and former Secretary of the Philippine
Department of Agriculture. Dar has been a leading advocate for agricultural modernization, rural
development, and food security in the Philippines. He has spearheaded various initiatives to
enhance agricultural productivity, promote agribusiness, and empower small-scale farmers.
Jose R. Velasco. An agricultural engineer and inventor known for his innovations in farm
machinery and equipment. Velasco developed several agricultural machines tailored to the needs
of Filipino farmers, including rice threshers, corn shellers, and coconut dehuskers. His inventions
have helped improve efficiency and productivity in Philippine agriculture.
Romulo Davide. A plant pathologist and former Director of the Philippine Rice Research
Institute (PhilRice). Davide has been instrumental in research and development efforts to address
rice diseases, pests, and other production constraints. His work has contributed to the
development of disease-resistant rice varieties and sustainable pest management practices.
Ponciano B. Geronimo. A pioneering Filipino agronomist known for his contributions to
soil science and land management. Geronimo conducted extensive research on soil fertility,
erosion control, and soil conservation practices. His work has helped improve soil productivity
and sustainability in Philippine agriculture.
These individuals have made indelible marks in the field of agriculture in the Philippines,
influencing policy, technology adoption, and scientific research to enhance the productivity,
sustainability, and resilience of the country's agricultural sector.
Notable Schools of Agriculture in the Philippines
Several notable schools in the Philippines offer agricultural education and training,
equipping students with knowledge and skills in various aspects of agriculture, agribusiness, and
rural development. Some of these institutions include:
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). UPLB is renowned for its College of
Agriculture, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, agronomy, animal
science, agricultural engineering, and related fields. It is one of the leading agricultural
institutions in the Philippines and is known for its research and extension programs.
Central Luzon State University (CLSU). Located in the province of Nueva Ecija, CLSU
is a premier agricultural university known for its College of Agriculture and other related
colleges. It offers degree programs in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, veterinary medicine, and
agricultural engineering.
Visayas State University (VSU). VSU, located in Leyte, is a leading agricultural
institution in the Visayas region. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture,
agronomy, animal science, fisheries, and forestry, among others. VSU is known for its research
and extension activities, particularly in coconut and abaca production.

Mindanao State University (MSU). MSU, with its main campus in Marawi City, has
several campuses across Mindanao offering agricultural education and research. The MSU
College of Agriculture and other related colleges provide programs in agriculture, agronomy,
animal science, fisheries, and agricultural engineering.
University of Southern Mindanao (USM). Located in Kabacan, North Cotabato, USM is
known for its College of Agriculture, which offers programs in agriculture, agronomy, animal
science, and agricultural engineering. The university is recognized for its research and extension
services, particularly in crops and livestock production.
Benguet State University (BSU). BSU, situated in La Trinidad, Benguet, specializes in
agriculture, forestry, and environmental sciences. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs
in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, and environmental science, focusing on the
unique agricultural challenges of the Cordillera region.
Cagayan State University (CSU). CSU, with campuses in various provinces in Cagayan
Valley, offers agricultural programs through its College of Agriculture, Forestry, and
Environmental Sciences. It provides education and research opportunities in agriculture,
agronomy, animal science, fisheries, and agricultural engineering.
These institutions play a vital role in training the next generation of agricultural
professionals, conducting research to address agricultural challenges, and providing extension
services to farmers and rural communities across the Philippines.
Philippine Government Programs for Agriculture
The Philippine government has implemented various programs and initiatives to support
agriculture, enhance productivity, ensure food security, and uplift the welfare of farmers and
rural communities. Some notable government programs for agriculture in the Philippines
include:
Department of Agriculture (DA) Programs. The DA spearheads numerous programs to
promote agricultural development across the country. These include the National Rice Program,
High-Value Crops Development Program, Livestock Program, Fisheries Program, and Corn
Program, among others. These programs aim to increase production, improve quality, and
enhance competitiveness in key agricultural sectors.
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). CARP was launched in 1988 to
redistribute agricultural lands to landless farmers and promote social justice in rural areas. It
includes provisions for land acquisition and distribution, support services for agrarian reform
beneficiaries, and the promotion of rural development through agrarian reform communities
(ARCs).

Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions

(ASPIRE). ASPIRE is a government program that aims to promote agribusiness investments and
market linkages in various regions of the Philippines. It provides support for agribusiness
enterprises, including access to financing, infrastructure development, and market promotion.
Farm Mechanization Program. This program seeks to modernize Philippine agriculture
by promoting the adoption of farm machinery and equipment to increase efficiency and
productivity. It includes initiatives such as the distribution of subsidized farm machinery, training
for machinery operators, and the establishment of farm machinery service centers.
National Greening Program (NGP). The NGP is a reforestation and environmental
conservation program launched in 2011. It aims to plant trees on 1.5 million hectares of public
lands over six years to address deforestation, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable
forest management.
Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The PRDP is a World Bank-assisted
program designed to improve rural infrastructure, enhance agricultural productivity, and
strengthen institutional capacity in targeted areas of the Philippines. It supports investments in
rural infrastructure, agribusiness development, and community-based rural enterprise
development.
Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The SLP is a poverty reduction program that
assists poor and vulnerable households, including farmers and fisherfolk, to improve their
income and livelihood opportunities. It offers various interventions such as skills training,
livelihood assistance, and community enterprise development.
These government programs and initiatives play a crucial role in supporting Philippine
agriculture, fostering rural development, and improving the lives of farmers and rural
communities across the country.