President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) that aims to achieve the highest possible rice sufficiency level through the use of several strategies.
Speaking during the Rice Industry Convergence Meeting at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Convention Hall in Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday, May 31, Marcos said aside from improving the country’s agricultural production, ensuring the welfare of Filipino farmers should also be prioritized.
“Kaya natin ginagawa ito, hindi lamang para mapakain natin ang buong Pilipinas pero para pagandahin natin ang buhay ng ating mga magsasaka – disente naman ang buhay nila, mapag-aral nila ‘yung mga anak nila,” Marcos said.
“They have a possibility to expand, to go into other economic activities, sa agriculture or not. But to give them more opportunities. That’s the whole point. As much as possible, we will support the farmers,” he added.
The President mentioned several initiatives that will help farmers to improve their lives such as the consolidation and the organization of more cooperatives for their capital requirements.
Marcos said through convergence, the assets, resources, funding, and technology could be made readily available to the farmers for their benefit.
“So, the importance of consolidation is key. That really is the first step. We cannot do all of the other things that we want to do hanggang ma-organize natin ang mga farmers natin,” he said.
Marcos also mentioned mechanization, the adoption of new farming technologies, as well as digitalization as measures to help local farmers.
In a separate interview, the President said the government is targeting at least 97 percent rice sufficiency by 2028.
“Ang aming ginawang target is 97.4 – just to call it 97.5 percent self-sufficiency by 2028. Ninety-seven percent is sufficient,” Marcos said.
The MRIDP will be carried out through several strategies such as climate change adaptation; farm clustering and consolidation or convergence of intervention; value chain approach; and digital transformation.
A key component of the MRIDP is the convergence of all stakeholders involved in the development of the rice industry with the objective of pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and coordinating efforts to achieve sustainable rice production and higher income for rice farmers. (GMA Integrated News)
