Region 7 rice production down to almost 6T sacks

CEBU, Philippines - A 3.8 percent decrease in rice production in Central Visayas has been recorded by the Department of Agriculture in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year reportedly due to the damage to some irrigation facilities in the region.

From 156,329 metric tons in 2013 or an equivalent to 3,126,580 sacks of rice, records from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics show that production decreased to 150,445 metric tons or 3,008,900 sacks this year.

According to Fabio Enriquez, officer-in-charge of the Operations Division of DA, there was a difference of 5,884 metric tons of rice or 117,680 sacks.

Enriquez stressed though that they can still cope with the needs of the consumers in the region.

Enriquez explained that some irrigation facilities like those in Balamban were damaged. The irrigation center in Canasuhan, Carcar City is also under repair.

With this, Enriquez said the price of rice in the region will most likely be affected but not that much. 

The National Food Authority is also willing to back up the supply of rice in the region, in case there is a need for it.

“In case ingon ani ang duna kuwang, ang NFA are also ready to back up… hinuon okay man ang sa Panay nga production,” he said, adding that the retail price of corn has decreased.

Out of 16 regions, only Central Visayas has contributed two percent to the national rice production.

“As of second quarter wala man ta nakakita ug problema,” Enriquez said.

The harvesting season for the third quarter will be on the last week of September to early October, which will add up to the demand of rice for the region for the holiday season.   (FREEMAN)