Share reliable inventory, rice millers told
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has urged rice millers for sustained cooperation, particularly in sharing credible data, to ensure stable supply of rice in the country.
In a recent meeting with rice millers, also attended by National Food Authority Administrator Angelito Banayo, Alcala said: “Let’s help each other to address the problems of the rice industry. We enjoin you to streamline your data, as it will help to efficiently manage the rice industry.
He called on the rice millers to assist the DA particularly in arriving at a more credible estimate of the country’s total rice inventory, and thus come up with a better picture of the national rice supply situation, and thus avoid overimportation and hoarding.
“Tandaan ninyo na kung kulang ang inyong ire-report, mapipilitan tayong mag-import, na tiyak na magkakaroon ng masamang epekto sa inyo,” the DA chief added. (Bear in mind that if you would report less, we would be forced to import, and such would adversely affect you.) Hence, “we have to get accurate figures on the current rice inventory,” he said.
The rice millers, for their part, commended Alcala’s initiative to consult with them to nurture greater cooperation between the DA and the private sector.
They also raised concerns on the availability of credit for farmers. They said government should provide farmers accessible and affordable loans, in a more sustainable basis, to enable them to buy quality seeds and fertilizers, among other production and post-harvest inputs, and thus increase their yields and income.
With more palay harvests, rice milling and trading activities pick up, they said.
Traditionally, rice millers also serve as informal lenders. This puts their capital at risk, adding that they have to set aside a sizable amount to finance farmers every cropping season.
Alcala said he will strongly consider and implement some of their suggestions to further improve and revitalize the country’s rice industry.
During the dialogue, he reiterated the DA’s major thrust to attain rice self-sufficiency by 2013 by expanding areas planted to high-yielding varieties.
“We have already crafted a plan to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2013. Part of it involves gradually expanding rice farms planted to certified seeds. From the current 20 percent of total rice areas, we aim to push it to 45 percent by 2011, and further to 65 percent by 2012,” Alcala said.
Seeking the support rice millers and other stakeholders, Alcala added: “With your help and cooperation, we are confident of meeting that target, and hopefully, even export fancy rice by that time.”
