New book on rice

The Philippines can ensure rice security while reducing poverty, according to a book titled "Securing Rice, Reducing Poverty: Challenges and Policy Directions."

The book, co-published by SEARCA, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research, recommends, among other things, policy reforms in terms of intensified public investment in irrigation, extension, research and development (R&D) in agriculture, particularly in rice.

Edited and co-authored by SEARCA Director and professor of economics, Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, and PhilRice Executive Director Leocadio S. Sebastian, the book strongly advocates the adoption of appropriate and enabling policies that strengthen the response of rural non-farm sector to agricultural growth and sustain economic expansion. According to the authors, proper application of modern science and technology through client-responsive research and rice extension offers a pathway to sustainable rice security for an increasing Filipino population.

The book has an easy-to-read condensed version. For details, contact Dr.Arnulfo G. Garcia, manager of SEARCA’s Research and Development Department, at (049) 536-2290 local 133/121.