Population growth, typhoons discourage RP's rice self-sufficiency

MANILA, Philippines - An average of 20 typhoons annually and an increasing population are two of the main reasons why the Philippines is far from achieving self-sufficiency in rice production, a grain expert said. An official of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said that the domestic rice yields are high compared to other countries in the region which have also adopted modern varieties and technologies. However, the landscape in the country is not “friendly to rice" production compared to Vietnam and Thailand which have large river deltas, and fertile and flat ricelands, IRRI Director-General Robert Stewart Zeigler said. In a press conference at the sidelines of the 5th Informal Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers of Science and Technology, Zeigler added that IRRI is currently discussing food security issues with Asian leaders. The subject will be included at the leaders’ annual meeting in October. He also downplayed scenarios that the soaring prices of rice will create civil unrest in the region. Making available “affordable rice prices should avert any civil unrest," he said, adding that ASEAN leaders are “conscious of the great need that the poor should at least have access to adequate food levels." Zeigler added that to attain self-sufficiency in rice production, Filipino farmers should not only have access to modern technology, including new rice varieties and fertilizers. The farmers should also know how to effectively use these technologies. – Veronica C. Silva, GMANews.TV