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ILOILO City – Farmers should continue to improve their practices to become competitive and aim for higher production to offset their expenses, according to the National Food Authority (NFA) here.
In Monday’s farmer’s forum held at the town of Leganes, Iloilo, NFAs grains supervising officer Nelin Niango said that the sector should also be competitive as the quantitative restrictions on rice is about to end June 30 next year.
The lifting of the restriction means opening the Philippines to the entry of rice products from abroad.
She explained that the quantitative restriction started in 1995 and has since been renewed three times. The country is currently requesting for another extension.
“There is an ongoing consultation to determine whether or not we really need that,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ma. Theresa T. Solis, chief of the agribusiness and marketing assistance division of the Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas, said that one way to prepare in case the restriction is lifted is to “diversify.”
Also, she underscored the need to look into the quality of food that comes in such as how the product is being prepared.
DA regional technical director for operations and extension Manny Olanday, on the other hand, cited that the use of high-yielding varieties that are being propagated by the department and going into mechanization will aid the farmers in getting higher yield. (PNA)
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