DA Bats for 20.44M MT Rice Output Despite El Nino, ‘Aghon’
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DA Bats for 20.44M MT Rice Output Despite El Nino, ‘Aghon’. The Department of Agriculture (DA) remains hopeful in achieving its target of 20.44 million metric tons (MT) of local rice production for the year, despite the challenges posed by El Niño and typhoon Aghon.
Target and Challenges
In an interview, DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Christopher Morales, emphasized the department’s commitment to reaching the yearend production target. He acknowledged the significant challenges posed by external factors like the El Niño phenomenon and typhoon Aghon, which have impacted rice production.
“We’re still optimistic because we have our target. We are aiming for that. We are doing our best to achieve it, but of course, we cannot control the external factors affecting our rice production,” Morales said.
Interventions and Programs
To mitigate the adverse effects on rice production, the DA is implementing various mechanisms and interventions. These include:
Impact of Typhoon Aghon
The DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center reported significant damage in the southern parts of Luzon, including Calabarzon and Mimaropa. The typhoon affected 948 hectares of agricultural land, causing PHP81.84 million worth of damages. Specifically, the rice sector, mostly in the reproductive and maturity stages, suffered a loss of PHP25.09 million, equivalent to 1,091 MT in volume.
Impact of El Nino
El Niño has also taken a toll on rice production, causing losses amounting to PHP9.50 billion. The rice sector incurred damages worth PHP4.60 billion, affecting 185,561 MT of rice over 83,862 hectares of farmlands.
Assurance of Stable Rice Supply
Despite these challenges, Morales assured that the country’s rice supply remains stable. He highlighted that supplemental volumes from importation would help maintain stability if needed.
“The production forecast and also the incoming import based on SPSIC (Sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance), it’s not that critical for now,” he stated.
Conclusion
The Department of Agriculture continues to strive towards its goal of 20.44 million metric tons of rice production for the year. Despite the setbacks from natural disasters and climate phenomena, the DA proactive measures and robust programs aim to support farmers and ensure a stable rice supply for the country.