R&D investments seen to boost rice output
The government should invest more in agricultural research and development if it wants to achieve rice competitiveness in this administration, according to an economist.
University of the Philippines School of Economics professor Emmanuel Esguerra said the government’s goal to attain a competitive rice economy by 2022 should be backed by cutting-edge agriculture innovations guided by science-based and supportive policies.
“Producing rice in the Phil- ippines is more expensive than in our neighboring exporting countries such as Vietnam and Thailand,” he said.
In the Philippines, the cost of producing palay (unmilled rice) is around P10-12 per kilo as against the P6 to P10 per kilo in Vietnam and Thailand.
“Some of the factors that contribute to the higher cost of rice production include labor cost and machinery, low yield per hectare, and high marketing costs,” Esguerra said.
“High prices harm poor Filipino households more than anyone else. These households spend around 20 percent of their incomes on rice alone,” he added.
Furthermore, Esguerra emphasized that the role of rice science and innovation is essential in attaining competitiveness and inclusive growth.
“There is also a need to understand the reasons for rice farmers in choosing a certain technology,” he said.
“Technological adoption is a tricky business that requires the collective wisdom of science and social science communities for the farmers,” Esguerra added.
The Department of Agricul- ture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research continues to intensify its research and development programs for various agribusiness sectors, including rice.
“Many of the bureau’s R&D projects align with our need to develop crops that can withstand the logistical and phytosanitary requirements as we move towards promoting Philippine agricultural products in the wider, global market,” BAR said.
“With the right technology that will help nurture the crops, we can also address the challenges of seasonal supply and climate change,” it added.