President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday that the Philippines achieved a significant milestone in rice production last year. The country produced a record-high 20 million metric tons (MT) of rice, marking a 1.5 percent increase compared to the previous year’s production.
During a speech in Candaba, Pampanga, President Marcos highlighted the factors contributing to this achievement. He explained that the increase in rice production was a result of a 0.23 percent expansion in the area harvested and a 1.3 percent improvement in yield. The President commended the joint efforts of the government and farmers for surpassing the 20 million MT mark.
The record-breaking rice production had a positive impact on the overall value of production in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. In 2023, the total value of production reached P1.763 trillion, surpassing the P1.757 trillion recorded in 2022.
President Marcos attributed the increase in rice production to the government’s initiatives in providing high-quality seedlings and fertilizers to farmers. During the ceremonial palay harvesting in Barangay Mandili, Candaba, the President distributed various forms of assistance to more than 12,000 beneficiaries and 10 farmers’ cooperatives and associations. This included hauling trucks, seeds, financial aid, and fertilizer discount vouchers worth P99.8 million.
Looking ahead to 2024, President Marcos expressed his commitment to further support rice production. The government plans to implement more solar-powered irrigation projects to provide water supply to approximately 180,000 hectares of agricultural land nationwide. The President emphasized the importance of irrigation and the potential benefits of solar-powered systems, which would reduce the financial burden on farmers by eliminating the need for expensive diesel pumps.
Solar-powered irrigation projects are seen as a viable solution to address the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, including the adverse impacts of typhoons and the El Niño phenomenon. President Marcos emphasized the economic viability and cost-effectiveness of solar energy, highlighting its potential to reduce the country’s dependence on rice imports.
To support these initiatives, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P31 billion for various projects. This includes P17 billion for the Philippine Solar-Irrigation Project and P1.2 billion for the construction and improvement of small-scale irrigation projects. The DA has also established the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which is funded with P10 billion. This fund aims to enhance the competitiveness of the rice industry through interventions such as rice seed development, provision of farm equipment, and credit and extension services.
President Marcos emphasized the government’s focus on developing new varieties of palay that are resilient to changing weather conditions. Climate risk assessments are being conducted to ensure the sustainability of agricultural communities in the face of climate change.
In conclusion, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. celebrated the Philippines’ record-high rice production in 2023. The government’s efforts, combined with the hard work of farmers, contributed to this achievement. Looking ahead, the government is committed to supporting increased rice production through solar-powered irrigation projects and other initiatives. The aim is to enhance the competitiveness of the rice industry and ensure food security for the nation.
Source: The Manila Times
