Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (No. 8435).

This Act provides in 120 sections divided into 5 Titles for measures to sustain the development in the sectors of agriculture and fisheries. The stated objective of this Act is to transform these sectors from resource-based into technology-based industries and to enhance profits in these sectors especially for small farmers and fishermen (sect. 3). Title 1 proposes a series of measures in the field of production and marketing. Strategic agricultural and fisheries development zones shall be identified and model farms established in identified areas (sects. 6 and 7). A medium and long-term modernization plan shall be developed by the Department of Agriculture in consultation with various Government institutions and NGO's (sect. 13). Sections 26 to 37 concern the development of national and minor irrigation systems and research and development in the field of irrigation. Other measures concern the grating of credit, structural development, consumer safety and standards for production, etc. Other Titles deal with development of human resources (Title 2), research development and extension (3), rural non-farm development (4), and trade and fiscal incentives (5).