Benguet farmers help improve Japan farming system

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The provincial government’s exchange program on agricultural farming is contributory to success of the farming systems in a Japan prefecture.

Gov. Crescencio Pacalso shared this news following his visit and meeting with provincial and municipal executives of Kochi Prefecture and Susaki municipality in Japan.

Through invitation, Pacalso visited Japan March 30 to April 5, which coincided with the 20th anniversary exchange program between Kochi Prefecture and Benguet.

The Kochi government through the years, appreciated the presence of farmer- trainees in their place.

The Japanese observed farmers from the province are doing their job well and have a good record compared to others.

“ If not for our farmers, they might not be able to produce agricultural commodities similar to what is being produced here and may be not be able to produce that much,” Pacalso said.

There are   about 300 Benguet farmer-trainees spread all over Japan who availed of the program through the provincial government, aside  from those who applied directly in the municipalities, said Pacalso.

Farmer trainees in Japan can only stay for up to three years at one time, meaning they can no longer renew their contract.

They are paid about P30, 000 monthly, have free accommodation and are allotted food allowance in kind.

Pacalso who also met the farmer-trainees clamored for an extended period of training which the Japanese government assured to work out from three years to five years.

The period of their stay is covered by the country’s immigration laws which have not been amended, he added.

Japan needs farming trainees from outside as many of its population are  elderly.

Children once they get out of their area to acquire college education no longer go back but instead find a job somewhere else like in Tokyo,Pacalso said. -- PIA-CAR