With the drafting of its strategic plan for 2023-2028, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is supporting the recently announced three-year plan of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

PhilRice, the country’s lead agency on rice research and development, will roll out research for development and extension banner programs that are more integrated and focused on achieving better rice farming communities.

The programs include the Rice Seeds Systems that caters to necessities relating to farmers’ timely access to quality seeds; the Scaling Modern and Adaptive Rice Technologies for Prosperous Farming Communities that zeroes in on smart and modern processes, technologies, and management of the rice plant; and the Rice Business Innovations System that will help farmers connect their rice and rice-based products to the market.

“Implemented along with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the Malusog Rice Programs, these three programs are envisioned to boost farmers’ productivity and income in a more aggressive mode. Our hope is that all our stakeholders will be moved by the passion and expertise that we have invoked in crafting this plan, so that they would participate with us in realizing our goal of helping improve the lot and life of rice farmers while also helping secure food for the Filipinos, which is consistent with DA’s thrusts,” Dr. John C. de Leon, executive director, said.

DA’s three-year plan addresses critical challenges in Philippine agriculture, focusing on crucial areas such as expansion, modernization, and logistics.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a press briefing that efforts will be directed towards modernizing and mechanizing agriculture and fishery production systems to increase overall efficiency.

The plan also involves the development of efficient logistics systems and a robust digitalization strategy to ensure accurate production data for effective supply chain management.

“In our three-year plan, we’re investing over PhP90 billion to transform Philippine agriculture, with PhP93 billion earmarked for upgrading rice and corn post-harvest facilities. Four decades of neglect in this area have led to significant losses, estimated at 12.7% to 15% of rice production and our focus is on rectifying these shortcomings for a more efficient agricultural sector,” the secretary said.

He added that the department will also establish new irrigation facilities, zoning, and identification of key areas, and improve infrastructures to boost production in land and water areas. (DA-PhilRice, Christine Mae Nicolas)