00:00 It is somewhat a dubious distinction for a rice-producing nation to simultaneously be the world's top importer of its staple grain.
00:08 Which only means the country is such a rice-eating fiend, it consumes more than it can grow.
00:14 A trend or status that needs to be reversed by increasing production through the improvement of the state of the irrigation system, as our Claizel Pardilla reports.
00:26 Mayor's rice field in Ordineta, Pangasinan has already dried up due to El Niño.
00:31 Amidst the threat of El Niño, the Samahang Industria ng Agrikultura pleaded for adequate water supply for rice-producing areas.
00:52 "There are areas that are reporting a lack of water, especially rice-producing areas like Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.
01:00 We're hoping that's where the DEA will intervene because it's a major rice-producing area.
01:05 So it will have a big impact if Nueva Ecija has problems with rice production and harvest."
01:12 The United States Department of Agriculture projects the Philippines will remain the number one global rice importer, taking a record of 3.8 million tons this year.
01:23 This exceeds the country's 3.6 million metric tons rice imports last year, 2023.
01:30 "Any news that says we're the top importer is saddening especially to the producers because it's like we're not capable of producing for our own country.
01:39 It will only increase if there are problems with production.
01:49 If there are too many imports, the economy will be depressed.
01:53 Many will be affected and many will stop."
01:56 SINAG pointed out the Philippines should not depend on the global market for its staple food rice.
02:02 This amid a supply of treatable rice becoming thinner while the needs of rice-importing countries continue to grow.
02:09 "We're not denying that the Philippines imports a lot of rice.
02:13 It depends this year on our situation.
02:16 You have to remember that we have El Nino now that can be a challenge for production.
02:23 The main goal of the government is to ensure that we have enough rice."
02:29 Hence, the National Irrigation Administration is intensifying its efforts and providing irrigation systems.
02:36 Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department is focusing on areas without irrigation coverage, distributing solar irrigation and shallow tube wells.
02:45 The agency is also promoting alternative crop in areas where the production of rice is low or does not thrive.
02:52 The Department of Agriculture is optimistic the harvest will not fall below the projected palay production of 20 million metric tons this year.
03:01 The agency stressed more hybrid rice varieties which are resistant and can thrive in hot weather are planted this season.
03:10 "If there are more local production, they will not import so much.
03:13 Just like what happened last year."
03:15 The DA is actively engaged in establishment of substantial post-harvest facilities including the construction of integrated rice mills and storage warehouses
03:25 which aim to elevate rice wastage resulting from the absence of these facilities.
03:31 This strategic initiative is expected to result in savings exceeding 10 billion pesos or equivalent to 10% of the Philippines' imported rice.
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