DA caravan brings technology directly to fishermen

In a move to bring modern and cost-effective technologies directly to its clientele, the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has successfully concluded its fisheries technology caravan, covering 10 regions and serving tens of thousands of small fishermen, pond operators and aquaculture entrepreneurs. Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Q. Montemayor said through the DA-BFAR techno-caravan "we are giving flesh to the thrust of President Arroyo to empower our poor countrymen, particularly small and marginal fishermen, by providing them the means to engage in sustainable livelihood projects." The techno-fisheries caravan, bannering the theme, Aquaculture for Rural Development, provides a forum for municipal fishermen, pond operators and aquaculturists to learn and adopt modern and cost-effective technologies, consult their technical problems with fishery experts and air their administrative concerns with DA-BFAR and local government officials.