The Philippine rice sector has seen significant progress since the Rice tariffication Law (RTL) was enacted in 2019, with initiatives like the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the National Rice Program (NRP) helping farmers adopt modern planting technologies.
In 2023, the Department of Agriculture expanded the RCEF program to 77 provinces, benefiting over a million rice farmers.
The mechanization program has distributed 29,599 units of farming equipment, reducing labor costs and postharvest losses, and contributing to food security.
With the distribution of high-quality inbred seeds, yields have improved, with dry-season yields rising from 3.63 to 4.34 metric tons per hectare.
Despite challenges like climate change and rising input costs, PhilRice remains hopeful for the sector’s continued growth and encourages public participation to support local rice production.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 25, 2025
