FAO lauds food security programs of RP

The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has lauded the Philippine government’s food production programs, particularly the propagation of hybrid rice and the intensified technological support to farmers.

Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative to FAO, said the Philippine government’s food security programs are in step with FAO’s goal of cutting in half global hunger by 2015.

"The FAO has noted Philippines as one of the countries bent on solving its hunger and poverty problem and recognizes the government efforts to modernize agriculture and to attain food security as well as social equity in rural areas," Lhuillier said.

The government has implemented a P20-billion-a-year agriculture modernization program that includes the propagation of "Gloria" hybrid rice variety that will triple rice harvest in the country.

Aside from the propagation of hybrid rice and massive irrigation projects, the government has also strengthened funding support for farmers to increase farm productivity and incomes through the adoption of modern farming techniques, seed and fertilizer subsidies, micro-credit schemes and improved rural infrastructure.

The government is bent on achieving 100-percent rice self-sufficiency by 2005. The palay harvest of 2002 which reached 13.50 million metric tons was the highest in the country’s history. it made the country 90-percent self-sufficient. The 2003 crop should make up 94 percent of the country’s rice needs.

Massive hybrid seed growing is also being encouraged by the government with the aim of exporting rice to other countries once the local supply of rice has been met.

Lhullier said that making agriculture a stronger pillar of the economy can generate jobs particularly in the country side, produce enough to make food available to everybody, and even export to generate foreign exchange.

"Intensification of rice production in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner is essential for food security. The agricultural modernization being done by the government clearly shows its sincere effort to fight both hunger and poverty," he said.

Last February, FAO had awarded President Arroyo its prestigious Ceres Award for her agricultural modernization program, which FAO expects will ease poverty in the Philippines.