Sunday, June 22, 2008 City backs production of Unoy rice
KALINGA'S potentials in producing organic rice varieties is backed by the Tabuk City Government, as the city is also adamant in regaining its title as the hybrid rice capital of the country.
The City Government is encouraging more towns in the province to engage in the production of the Unoy rice, a native variety, which is being exported to the United States.
Unoy rice is considered highland rice as this is grown on upland areas of Kalinga. The rice is harvested once a year.
Mayor Camilo Lammawin said the increased production of the native rice has nothing to do with the decline in the production of hybrid rice, a banner program of the National Government to ensure food security.
The towns of Pasil, Pinukpuk and Tinglayan are among the unoy rice producers in the province.
Lammawin said the efforts geared towards the production of the traditional rice variety have not contributed to the decrease in hybrid rice production.
The city's production declined from 5,000 to 2,000 metric tons (MTs). The rising cost of hybrid seeds and the termination of government subsidies to hybrid rice farmers are said to be the major factors that led to the decrease in production.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now helping local governments in the production of traditional rice varieties.
Agriculture Regional Director Cesar Rodriguez said the agency has included the production of traditional rice varieties in its programs.
Aside from Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province are also being supported for the production of native rice varieties. (JC)
