The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at a one million metric ton (MMT) increment in rice production for the current year to attain a national yield of 20.4MMT.
This was announced by Agriculture Secretary William Dar over the weekend during a visit at the International Training Center for Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) in Tanauan City, Batangas.
For 2021, the Secretary said that the goal is to reach 95 percent rice sufficiency level.
“Last year, despite perfect storm which includes the eruption of Taal Volcano, the Covid-19 pandemic, the African Swine Fever, and the series of typhoons, the country managed to attain a 19.4MMT national yield. Pinakamataas sa history ng rice production sa bansa,” he said.
Secretary Dar noted that the import level is starting to go down as local production continues to grow with interventions and assistance for seeds, fertilizer, and capacity building.
The DA chief added that the agri sector posted positive growth in 2020 because of the efforts and sacrifices of the farmers, fishers, and other stakeholders.
This year, under the “One DA” holistic approach, the DA will continue to roll out projects to empowers farmers towards food secure and resilient Philippines.
He added that under “One DA,” which follows 12 key strategies, the DA will push for the swift and efficient implementation of initiatives for the benefit of many.
“Sa ilalim ng One DA, pagbubuklurin ang mga serbisyo at programa ng DA para mas madaming magawa at mabilis na maisakatuparan ang mga proyekto ng panahalaan para sa ikabubuti ng buhay at kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda at mga nagnenegosyo sa sektor ng agrikultura,” he said.
While in Tanauan, Secretary Dar led the distribution of P205 million-worth of agricultural projects and interventions to farmer-beneficiaries of Batangas province.
The assistance included P75M in credit assistance from the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council. Indemnity checks amounting to P1.08M were also awarded to farmers affected by the Taal volcano eruption last year. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)
