Davao Norte steps up efforts to boost rice production

LOCAL officials, farmers and agri clubs in Davao del Notre have pledged their commitment to the National Year of Rice (NYR) 2013, in support of the country's goal of producing enough rice.

President Benigno Aquino III has declared 2013 as National Year of Rice to intensify the government campaign on achieving rice self-sufficiency.

During the 6th Rural-Based Organization (RBO) Day on March 14, local leaders, farmers and members of RBOs of Davao del Norte, such as the 4H Club and the RIC (Rural Improvement Club), vowed to engage in activities that will help promote the message of NYR 2013.

These activities include, among others, trying brown rice, reducing rice wastage and eating other staples, like corn, cardava, sweet potato and cassava, which are also good sources of carbohydrates.

The farmers and RBOs also promised to use adequate amount of good quality seeds and adopt modern technologies, especially on nutrient and water management, in order to improve farm productivity.

They further affirmed to promote responsible rice consumption, committing themselves not to waste rice by properly cooking rice and by cooking or ordering what only their family can consume.

"Dahil sa bawat butil ng bigas o kanin na aking matitipid, ay may buhay na masasagip (Every grain of rice I kept will save a life)," they chorused.

Government data showed that each Filipino wastes two tablespoons of cooked rice every day. When saved, this wasted rice could result in import savings as high as P6.2 billion that could feed some 2.6 million hungry Filipinos a year.

The province also honored the winners of the Gawad Saka provincial search, which have contributed to the development of agriculture in the province.

The awardees include the San Vicente Multi-purpose Cooperative -- Outstanding Small Farmers Organization; Marsman Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Coop. -- Outstanding High Value Commercial Crops Processor; Balagunan SEA-K Organization -- Outstanding Non-LGU Barangay Food Terminal; Tambo Seaweed Grower Coop. -- Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization; Gamaliel Camporedondo -- Outstanding AFC; Gilbert Saberon -- Outstanding Fisherfolk; Eliezer Bancud -- Outstanding Farmer Small Animal Raiser; and, Gil Suan - Outstanding Agri-Researcher.