Alcala plans intensified farmers’ training
MANILA – Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he intends to embark on an intensified training program for farmers so that the country’s land tillers will be well-equipped in vital aspects of food production, a report of the Philippine News Agency said.
Alcala said he intends to intensify rice production and provide farmers all the necessary support such as post-harvest facilities to make sure that “the country achieves its goal of rice self-sufficiency in three years.”
He said he aims to totally forego rice importations in three years.
The Philippines spends over P60 billion every year in rice importations, he said adding that the policy of the previous administration of importing rice has discouraged local farmers from increasing their production.
Alcala also said he is more nervous these days because President Benigno Aquino III is expecting a lot from the agriculture sector.
Alcala’s vow to reduce rice importations substantially comes at a time when the Department of Agriculture has been importing record levels of rice from Vietnam, Thailand and other countries.
The global rice market has seen a reduction in prices as Vietnam’s projected 15 percent loss in output due to El Niño has been proven wrong and India, Pakistan and even African countries have recorded higher yields.
