He said farmers should look at a bigger picture to realize that the suspension will allow them to be more responsible for their own farm plots.
Local farmers, especially those leasing commercial farm plots in Kagman, will learn to be more resourceful and reduce their dependency in the government, he said in an interview on Friday.
Seman said the suspension of the division’s equipment service will also be good for private businesses.
Since farmers have to continue tilling their plots to maintain productivity, the lack of government tractors will create a demand for equipment, thus encouraging vendors to either sell or rent it to the local farmers, he said.
There are a number of people on island who sell or lend tractors but usually not for farm activities, Seman added.
He noted that the number of people who want to farm is increasing.
There’s now a long list of locals who want to lease commercial farm plots in Kagman, he said.
The assistant to the secretary of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Henry Hofschneider, said instead of competing with businesses, the government should help them instead.
Since Kagman farmers can no longer get the equipment from the government, private vendors may now come forward and give farmers a good deal, he said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has an Environmental Quality Incentives Program through which farmers and ranchers who practice conservation measures can get financial assistance.
