DA still aiming for rice self-sufficiency in 2013

Despite earlier expecting rice production to reach 20.04 million metric tons (MT) this year, the Department of Agriculture has stuck to its target output of 21.12 million MT, which would be enough to feed the nation for the whole year and make the Philippines self-sufficient in its main staple. “Now that we reached record levels in rice production, it will be easier for us to reach our target volume for the year,” Agriculture Rice Program Director Dante Delima said in an interview Monday. He added that total paddy rice production likely reached 18 million MT in 2012, slightly above the Department's projection of 17.8 million MT, though the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics has yet to release official figures. To help reach sufficiency, the DA recently partnered with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for the production and distribution of high-quality, stress-resistant seeds that can adapt to climate change; the prioritization of the development of new and modern technologies to expand current production areas; and the dissemination of best agricultural practices and support tools, including skills-training for extension and field workers. The two agencies also plan to strengthen alliances with public and private networks to solidify the Philippines' competitiveness in rice against other rice-producing nations. The government estimates it will need P84.2 billion in total to finance the rice sufficiency program until 2016, beginning with P31.11 billion for 2013, then P22.73 billion for 2014, P17.54 billion for 2015 and P12.82 billion for 2016. — BM, GMA News