Crop diversification and the rice industry’s future
But there are also those who are asking that question in a positive light, since they have full confidence in the programs and projects to be implemented under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). The programs and projects under RCEF will be put in place in the next six years, starting from this year, worth a total of P60 billion.
the next six years, we can bring down the cost of producing palay (unmilled rice) by as much as P6 per kilo from the current P12.72 per kilo.
There is, however, one reality that we should face as the RCEF- funded programs and projects are pushed — there farmers who have little or no chance of improving their competitiveness.
I am referring to rice farmers who cultivate lands that are in water-stressed areas that make it impossible for them to increase their productivity and income. And there are lands, while still viable for rice cultivation, could become other crops.
On the other hand, there are communities, despite hosting low- yielding rice farms, are not feasible markets for lower- priced imported rice because of their distance from trading centers.
A viable option for rice farmers
For rice farmers who are already feeling the brunt of lower-price imported stocks, one of the most feasible solution is for them to shift to more profitable, high- value crops. And this is among the major reasons why the Department of Agriculture (DA) is crafting the
- rules and regulations will be presented to the RCEF Program - proval. With that, the DA and the various agencies involved - ponents could identify rice farmers who could also be -
The wonder about RCEF is its mechanization component could also support the cultivation of other crops like vegetables, cassava, corn, among others. This is because certain machines to be distributed under RCEF are “crop neutral” or could be used in cultivating other crops, like four- wheel tractors, one- hand ( small) tractors, and irrigation pumps.
The four-wheel tractor, which is the workhorse in farms in developed countries, could be attached with implements not limited for rice farming. Meanwhile, the one-hand tractor is the most basic machine for plowing lands, which is a very important step in establishing healthy, standing crops.
Also, the mechanization component of RCEF will demonstrate to farmers of other crops that employing farm machines is one good step in achieving MasaganangAniat MataasnaKita (good harvest and higher income). When I I witnessed first hand how mechanization was instrumen rural areas truly progressive, teeming with wealthy farmers
And it is my dream for farmers who shift to other crops to attain a level of competitiveness that will enable them export, especially after they venture into value-adding.
Growing market for fruits, nuts abroad
- on agricultural exports also show some opportunities that should take notice of, like the growing market for edible fruits and nuts.
the 2018 Highlights of the Agricultural Commodities in the Philippines” released in November showed shipments of edible fruits and nuts, and peel of citrus fruits increased by 12.8 percent to $1.98 billion in 2018.
Furthermore, data from tradingeconomics.com showed China bought from the Philippines $598.25 million worth of edible fruits and nuts, and peel presents a market made up of more than a billion people!
And I believe the DA does not need an army of rocket scientists to increase the coun Even an elementary or high school student could be taught to cultivate nuts and tropical fruits like pineapple, banana and mango.
However, the sad thing - tional trade figures for agricultural products is we still import more food and farmbased products. According to - ners for agricultural products showed trade deficits: Australia, $ 691.75 million; Asian Nations, $ 4.07 billion; and European Union, $ 300.14 million.
also diversify its crop production to also lessen its imports of other agricultural products, both in raw and processed form? My answer would be “yes.” And if we could ramp up research for development in the Philippines, especially among state colleges and universities, the agriculture sector could produce more types of crops including those that are currently imported.
Maintain 90-95 percent adequacy
excellent strategy for rice farmers who want better earnings, I must state that the country must still maintain a rice adequacy level of at least 90 to 95 percent.
I say this because the worsening effects of climate change would surely affect the top rice exporting nations, reducing their contribution to rice stocks traded internationally. Only 5 percent of world rice production is traded internationally, and the prospect of
a reality we could not ignore, especially with the effects of climate change.
- pine rice industry must be assured with the RCEF-funded programs and components. And alongside the implementation of the Crop Diversifi by the third paradigm of the “New Thinking for Agriculture,” which is export promotion is a must, more farmers could attain MasaganangAni atMataasnaKita.