Tuesday, March 25, 2008 'Long neglect of productivity' causes rice supply shortage By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
BUSINESSMEN and agri-consultants are not anxious over price increases that would result from the "virtual" scarcity of rice, but the problem on productivity that's been besetting the agricultural sector that has long been neglected by the government.
Traders interviewed by Sun.Star Bacolod said the shortage is still "virtual" because for now, buyers are yet to feel the 'crunch' or there's no report yet on sellers' refusal over buyers' specified demand.
Manila-based president of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation Arsenio Barcelona estimated that: "A typical rice land in the Philippines yields only 50 to 70 cavans per hectare. This is indeed quite low for a growing population and can only be reversed by drastically improving productivity."
"Poor infrastructure and the dismal state of irrigation systems added to the lowering of productivity experienced by many of our farmlands and the whole agricultural sector itself," he added.
"The market movement owing to price increase of corn is a factor as well. Corn now commands P13 per kilo, a high jump from what used to be P6.50/kilo. This stimulated corn production conversions of many rice farms all over the country," Barcelona said.
Although Manila-based but Bacolod-born, Barcelona is active in promoting hybrid farming among local agri-businesses and is frequently here for various local development tie-ups.
Meanwhile, a recent study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) confirmed earlier reports on the Philippines low productivity compared to other South East Asian countries.
As per the ADB study, "Philippine agricultural sector has been growing erratically since the early 1980s, with little intensification (low cropping intensity) or extensification."
"Inputs and yields for most crops are lower than most other Southeast Asian countries and productivity growth rates lag behind other parts of Southeast Asia," the ADB further explained.
Barcelona said this has prompted the Department of Agriculture to engage in hybrid rice farming which yielded a target of 100 to 150 cavans per hectare.
"Repairs of irrigation systems had been a great help," he added.
Barcelona shared a newspaper report, which stated: "The Philippines has saved $23.25 million from rice importation since 2002 due to its hybrid rice commercialization program (HRCP) which exceeds the programs cost, proving the viability of government's thrust."
The report also cited a study from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI), which indicated that the use of hybrid rice has become the best option for farmers to increase their productivity and farm income among many available technologies.
"Given the proper technology and education, we can twist our long neglect of productivity and improve our rice supply standing," Barcelona stressed.
