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| Sacks of harvested rice on the street with a bus passing by |
Economic Base
Logging, farming, and fishing are the economic base of the municipality, as shown in the municipality’s logo. Most of its land area is dedicated to forest and agriculture production. Based on the updated Agusan del Sur PDPFP 2008-2017, 680.18 square kilometers or 68,018 hectares of its total land area is for forest production, and 201.59 square kilometers or 20,159 hectares is for agricultural production1. Adding the land area for forest and agricultural production will account for 47.65% of the total land area.
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| A rice field in Loreto |
This blog post explores the agricultural landscape of Loreto, Zamboanga del Norte, highlighting its strengths in crop production, animal farms, and freshwater fishery. It also delves into the challenges faced by the municipality's market infrastructure (from the 2018 data).
Land Use and Crops
With nearly 6,000 hectares dedicated to crops, Loreto boasts a diverse agricultural sector. Rice reigns supreme (47.89%), followed by corn (22.15%). Permanent crops like coconut (9.3%), rubber (8.2%), and oil palm (6.0%) contribute significantly as well.
Animal Farm Industry
Poultry dominates Loreto's animal farm industry, accounting for over 74% of total livestock in 2018. Chicken (60.61%) takes the lead, followed by ducks (13.05%). Livestock (14.34%) and draft animals (5.71%) round out the remaining production.
Fishing Industry
As a river town, Loreto's fishing industry thrives on freshwater species. Tilapia, carp, mudfish, and giant gourami are commonly caught by local fisherfolks, who average a catch of 20 kilograms per week. The industry is supported by over 135 families and 54 aquaculture farmers.
Market Challenges
Despite having "marketing centers and food terminals" in strategic locations, Loreto faces challenges with its market infrastructure. The old public markets, slaughterhouses, and old transport terminals haven't met national standards set by agencies like the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). This has led to underutilized public market stalls and low market revenue collection.
The Way Forward
Addressing these market infrastructure issues is crucial for Loreto to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. Upgrading facilities and ensuring they meet national standards can attract more customers, boost sales, and revitalize the local economy.