News & Opinion Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Sustainable Agriculture

Apr142024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Hybrid Rice Demo Farm Targets 275 Tons in Davao Del Sur Town

News & Opinion

The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) said Thursday that during the wet season, about 275 tons of rice will be harvested from a hybrid rice demo farm in Hagonoy town, Davao del Sur. DA-11 rice program coordinator Evelyn Basa said the project can contribute to the country's 2027 rice production target with a minimum yield of seven tons per hectare. In Barangay Sinayawan, Basa credited the project to DA-11, the Philippine Rice Board, the Davao del Sur provincial government, and the Hagonoy municipality. A 35-hectare farm showcases 24 rice varieties and technologies from different seed companies. Basa said in a statement that the demo farm will serve as an avenue for farmers to observe and learn various technologies on cultural management practices, mechanical ...

Apr142024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

DA’s Beekeeping Program Set to Go Nationwide

News & Opinion

MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is gearing up to roll out its successful beekeeping program nationwide this year, following the triumph of the pilot initiative in Occidental Mindoro. Initially targeted at empowering local Mangyan tribesmen by providing them with a source of income and modern entrepreneurial skills, the program has exceeded expectations, prompting the government to expand its scope. In an interview on Tuesday, DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano highlighted the positive impact of the beekeeping program on the local communities. The success of these small-scale ventures has encouraged the department to scale up the initiative, focusing on meeting the increasing demand for quality honey on the global market. The DA has joined ...

Apr142024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Imported Rice Arriving in the Philippines to Address Supply Concerns Until February 2024

News & Opinion

MANILA – To ensure a steady supply of rice and mitigate potential shortages, the Philippines is set to receive approximately 76,000 metric tons of imported rice from Taiwan and India throughout this month and early January, according to a Department of Agriculture (DA) statement. DA Undersecretary and officer-in-charge for operations, Roger Navarro, disclosed that nearly half a million metric tons of rice, imported by the private sector, are expected to arrive between December and early February. This aligns with the agreement between Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and holders of rice import permits. Navarro mentioned, “We received reports that around 100,000 tons of imported rice have already arrived in the country. This is part of the 495,000 metric tons committ...

Apr142024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Department of Agriculture Enhances Irrigation System to Mitigate El Niño Impact

News & Opinion

MANILA - In response to the looming threat of El Niño and its potential impact on the agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has made significant strides in improving and constructing approximately 740 kilometers of irrigation system canals as of November this year. The initiative aims to ease the potential repercussions of El Niño on farmers across the Philippines. On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. disclosed that the DA has set a target to rehabilitate 843 kilometers of irrigation canals. The purpose is to ensure effective and efficient water distribution to farmlands, minimizing the adverse effects of the expected dry spell on the country's provinces and millions relying on agriculture and fisheries. El Niño, a challenge for PH irrigation syst...

Mar282024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Why the Philippines Imports Rice: A Complex Mix of Geography, Demand, and Policy

News & Opinion

Rice is more than just a staple food in the Philippines; it's woven into the nation's culture and identity. Yet, despite its significance, the Philippines remains a net rice importer, relying on foreign sources to meet its domestic demand. This reality raises a crucial question: Why does a rice-loving nation like the Philippines need to import rice? The answer is multifaceted, encompassing geographical limitations, evolving demand patterns, and complex policy decisions. Let's delve deeper into these factors to understand the intricacies behind the Philippines' continued rice imports. 1. Geographical Challenges Archipelagic Landscape: Unlike mainland Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand, which have vast, fertile plains and extensive river deltas, the Philippines ...

Mar282024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

DA Forms 39 Farm Clusters in Eastern Visayas to Boost Agricultural Production

News & Opinion

TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas recently announced the formation of 39 farm clusters across the region. This marks a significant step forward in implementing the Farm and Fisheries Consolidation and Clustering (F2C2) program, which aims to enhance production and foster sustainable agricultural practices in the area. Rodel Macapañas, the Chief of the DA's Eastern Visayas Field Operations Division, revealed in a phone interview that over half of the validated farm clusters are located in Leyte province, with the remainder distributed across Samar and Southern Leyte provinces. These clusters encompass a diverse range of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of major crops such as corn and rice and the production of high-value crops, livestoc...

Mar282024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Antique Province Urged to Regulate Outbound Shipment of Pork Amid Soaring Prices

News & Opinion

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Concerns over the rising pork prices in Antique province have prompted officials in the capital town to urge the provincial government to take action. Darcy Bungay, Chief of the Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Office (MEEDO), reiterated the call to regulate outbound shipments of live hogs to address the escalating pork costs. The appeal, originally submitted as a resolution to Governor Rhodora Cadiao's office on November 9, 2023, seeks to control swine transport outside of Antique. The aim is to stabilize pork supply in local markets amidst the price surge, which has significantly increased from PHP370 to PHP400 per kilogram in just one week. "The sudden spike in pork prices to PHP400 per kilogram on February 26 alarmed Mayor Elmer ...

Mar282024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Why More Farmers Should Grow Morado Purple Corn

Agriculture, News & Opinion

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture, pursuing healthier food options has gained significant momentum. Health-conscious consumers are not only seeking tasty alternatives but are also prioritizing nutritional value. Innovative crops like East-West Seed’s hybrid Morado F1 purple corn sweet, waxy corn have emerged as game-changers in response to this growing demand. With its vibrant color, anthocyanin content, sweetness, and potential to bolster income, Morado presents an enticing opportunity for farmers, particularly in the Philippines. Meeting the Demand for Healthier Choices Like many others globally, the Filipino market is witnessing a shift towards healthier food choices. A survey by Food Industry Asia revealed that eight out of ten Filipino consumers are increasingly health-conscio...

Mar282024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Maximizing Cassava’s Potential: A Sustainable Solution for Livestock Feed

Agriculture, News & Opinion

Cassava, known scientifically as Manihot esculenta, has been a staple crop in the Philippines for centuries. Despite its versatility and multiple uses, including human consumption, medicinal purposes, and industrial applications, its potential as a feed ingredient for livestock has been largely untapped. While local research dating back to the 1970s and 1980s has highlighted the viability of cassava as a partial replacement for corn in animal feed, the livestock industry has yet to embrace this opportunity fully. This article explores the benefits of utilizing cassava as livestock feed, its current status in the Philippines and globally, and potential strategies to maximize its utilization. Cassava: An Overview Cassava, also known as balinghoy or kamoteng-kahoy locally, is a root cro...

Mar282024 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Unlocking the Potential of Jackfruit: A Key Player in Philippine Agriculture

Agriculture, News & Opinion

In the verdant lands of the Philippines, a versatile and resilient fruit tree has long been a staple in local diets and a symbol of cultural heritage—the jackfruit, known locally as "langka." From its humble beginnings as a backyard crop to its potential as a lucrative export commodity, the jackfruit holds a significant place in the country's agricultural landscape, particularly in the Visayas region. Cultural and Culinary Significance Jackfruit is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture as a food source and a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. Jackfruit cultivation thrives in the Visayas, particularly in Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, with nearly half of the region's land dedicated to its production. Traditionally, jackfruit trees were grown in backyard gardens, pr...