Hontiveros

RICE SECTOR REFORMS EYED

February 5, 2025 Camille P. Balagtas 159 views

TO ensure stable supply and prices, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for urgent reforms in the country’s rice sector, warning against over-reliance on imports and urging improvements in irrigation and storage facilities.

Hontiveros pointed out that despite the country importing a record-high 4.7 million metric tons of rice in 2024, prices remained high. Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) aims to supply an additional 30,000 metric tons per month, which she described as inadequate compared to the country’s monthly consumption of 1 million metric tons.

“May dagdag na 30,000 metric tons ng bigas na target maisuplay kada buwan ng National Food Authority (NFA), pero katiting ito kung ikukumpara sa 1 million metric tons na buwanang consumption ng bigas nating mga Pinoy,” she said.

She stressed that increasing local production is the real solution, calling on the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to expand irrigation coverage.

“Dapat ding agarang kumilos ang DA at ang National Irrigation Administration para mapatubigan ang dagdag na 300,000 hectares ng anihan sa bansa,” Hontiveros said, emphasizing that irrigation improvements are crucial during dry months.

In addition to irrigation, she highlighted the need for better storage facilities. She urged the government to collaborate with the private sector by renting privately owned warehouses for rice stockpiling operations.