DA Intensifies Efforts to Boost Rice Production Amid Global Inflation
April 6, 2024 - In a determined response to the global inflation affecting food and non-food products, the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines is escalating its efforts to enhance rice production while reducing costs.
During a recent news forum in Quezon City, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa outlined the government’s strategy to employ advanced mechanization and improve post-harvest processes. This initiative aims to bolster agricultural productivity and mitigate the financial strain on the nation’s economy.
Assistant Secretary De Mesa emphasized the current focus on rice fields, stating, “Our goal is to elevate production levels and diminish the cost of production through mechanization and by reducing post-harvest losses, which are priorities for Secretary Tiu Laurel.”
Acknowledging the challenges, De Mesa revealed that post-harvest losses, particularly during drying and milling, range from 15 to 20 percent. These losses are attributed to the diverse rice varieties cultivated, which affect the efficiency of milling processes.
De Mesa explained, “Depending on the area and level, the loss percentage is about 15 to 20 percent, primarily occurring during drying and milling. For instance, our milling recovery stands at 65%, but many mills only achieve a 50 to 55 percent recovery rate.”
The DA has identified the need to streamline the variety of rice grown in each region. Currently, there are over 18 different rice varieties per region, which complicates the milling process. The plan is to reduce this number to two or three varieties per region, ensuring a more efficient milling system and higher recovery rates.
Assistant Secretary De Mesa concluded, “Secretary Tiu Laurel’s current focus is to ensure that no more than three varieties of rice are planted per region. Ideally, we aim for one or two varieties, which would significantly enhance the efficiency of the milling system and, consequently, the milling recovery.”
This initiative by the DA is a strategic move to combat the economic pressures of inflation and secure a more sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector in the Philippines.