It’s easy to forget that behind every bag of rice and kilo of tilapia is someone who risked their savings—and sometimes their next meal—to plant, harvest, or fish again.
Many Filipino farmers and fishers still rely on borrowed money from informal lenders with crushing interest.
So when Land Bank of the Philippines launched the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, it became more than just another loan. It became a bridge to dignity and growth.
What AGRISENSO Plus Really Does
Instead of treating farmers and fishers as high-risk borrowers, AGRISENSO Plus sees them as partners in national food security. It provides affordable credit and flexible terms to help them keep their livelihood alive—and thrive.
Who can apply?
- Small farmers and fishers who need capital to sustain planting and fishing cycles
- Cooperatives or associations managing collective farms
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in trading, processing, or distributing agri-products
- Agri-based corporations and organizations expanding operations
Each loan is customized. LandBank checks project costs, repayment capacity, and production schedules instead of using a one-size-fits-all formula.
How the Loan Works in Real Life
Let’s say your family runs a small poultry farm in Batangas. You need money for feeds, vaccines, and repairs before the next cycle. Instead of borrowing from informal “5-6” lenders, you can apply for a production loan under AGRISENSO Plus.
If your cousin manages a cooperative that wants to buy a rice thresher, they can apply for a fixed-asset acquisition loan.
And if your uncle plans to build a small post-harvest warehouse, LandBank can finance that under agri-infrastructure support.
Main purposes covered:
- Production loans – for crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries
- Working capital – for agri-business operations like trading or distribution
- Fixed assets – for machinery, tools, or transport equipment
- Infrastructure projects – for irrigation, storage, or processing facilities
Each purpose aligns with a simple goal: help rural producers generate consistent income and lessen dependence on middlemen.
Loan Amounts and Terms That Make Sense
Agriculture isn’t a one-month business. Harvests take time, weather changes, and cash flow can dry up before returns come in. That’s why AGRISENSO Plus matches repayment schedules with production cycles.
- Loanable amount:
- Individuals: based on actual project cost and capacity to pay
- Cooperatives /MSMEs: higher ceilings, depending on capitalization and project scale
- Interest rates: Competitive, often lower than commercial bank loans
- Payment terms: Flexible, with possible grace periods for long-gestating projects like livestock breeding or infrastructure building
Farmers aren’t punished for having seasonal income; they’re supported to plan better.
Why This Program Matters So Much
- Bridges financing gaps – Many farmers lack collateral or formal documents. AGRISENSO Plus offers a pathway to legitimate credit.
- Boosts food security – More capital means higher yields and stable supply for local markets.
- Encourages modernization – Funds can be used to buy equipment, invest in irrigation, or automate processes.
- Strengthens rural enterprises – Working capital keeps cooperatives alive between harvests.
The program isn’t charity—it’s empowerment. When farmers grow stronger, the entire economy benefits.
How to Apply Without the Stress
Every good opportunity still needs paperwork, but LandBank keeps it straightforward.
- Eligibility Check – Applicant must be a farmer, fisher, cooperative, or agri-MSME with a viable project.
- Document Submission – Provide IDs, land or business proofs, a simple business plan or project proposal, and financial records if available.
- Evaluation – LandBank assesses creditworthiness and project feasibility.
- Loan Approval & Release – Once approved, funds go directly to the borrower or accredited suppliers for equipment and inputs.
Tip: If your family relies on farming or fishing income, prepare documents early and keep copies organized. It saves weeks of back-and-forth during evaluation.
For OFWs Helping Their Families Back Home
Many overseas Filipinos send remittances to support farms that never seem to grow. Instead of sending money every harvest season, guide your family to apply for AGRISENSO Plus.
You can help them write a clear project proposal—outline goals, expected yields, and repayment plans. Lenders respond better when they see preparation and purpose.
This shifts your remittance from temporary aid to long-term investment.
Watch: AGRISENSO Plus Brings Support to Palawan Farmers and Fishers
LANDBANK introduced the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Brooke’s Point, Palawan, gathering more than 1,400 farmers and fishers in one event.
The program offered financial education sessions that guided participants on managing their resources and preparing for future opportunities.
Through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, attendees opened accounts that gave them easier access to loans and digital banking services.
The launch highlighted how the program strengthened support for agriculture and fisheries, bringing both financial access and hope to local communities.
With AGRISENSO Plus, farmers and fishers in Palawan stepped closer to sustainable growth and improved livelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for AGRISENSO Plus?
Small farmers, fishers, cooperatives, associations, and agri-based MSMEs registered and operating in the Philippines.
What can the loan be used for?
For crop, livestock, poultry, or fish production; working capital; purchase of machinery; or construction of agri-facilities.
How much can I borrow?
Amounts depend on your project cost and repayment capacity. Cooperatives and MSMEs can access higher ceilings.
Are the interest rates fixed?
They are competitive and usually lower than commercial loans. Terms are adjusted to production cycles.
Where can I apply?
Visit the nearest Land Bank branch or official website. Prepare valid IDs, proof of ownership or tenancy, and a simple project proposal.
Conclusion
Agriculture remains the soul of the Philippines, yet it’s often underfunded. Programs like AGRISENSO Plus show what’s possible when credit and compassion meet policy and practicality.
It proves that sustainable development isn’t just about new technology; it’s about giving people the tools—and trust—to move forward.
If we keep supporting initiatives like this, maybe one day farmers won’t just survive harvest to harvest. They’ll build businesses that feed a nation and inspire pride in the soil beneath our feet.