Press Statement of Senator Edgardo J. Angara on the P5 billion rice production subsidy

The P5 billion rice production subsidy announced by Malacañang should prioritize investments in irrigation, hybrid seeds and post harvest facilities to make sure the jumbo fund is effectively spent in boosting the country's rice stocks, Senator Edgardo J. Angara , chairman of the senate committee on agriculture today said.

"The P5 billion should target a limited areas of investment and the clear priorities are hybrid seeds, irrigation and post-harvest facilities," he added.

Angara said that hybrid seeds from reputable seed growers can boost rice yield to 150 to 200 cavans of palay per hectare. In some cases in Central Luzon, farmers using hybrid seeds certified by government produce anywhere from 200 to 250 cavans per hectare.

Angara said that the lack of post-harvest facilities result in a grain wastage of more than P10 billion a year. Public roads are often used as drying facilities , posing a hazard to motorists and public utility vehicles.

Angara said that there should be heavy investment on the rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems and the construction of small water impounding areas.

"With these three investment areas given adequate support, there is no reason for the rice production program to fail," said Angara.

Angara said that countries across the globe should now start investing heavily in agricultural and rural projects and reverse the anti-farm bias of their investment policies.

In a meeting with World Bank leaders a few months ago in Washington D.C. , a group of Filipino lawmakers led by Angara were told that the WB is now intensifying its support to agricultural and rural projects.