House seeks feasible agricultural projects to stabilize rice, produce supplies

To achieve long-term rice supply stability and food security, the House of Representatives is seeking to mount feasible agricultural infrastructure projects in the country.

In a statement released on Saturday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said he met with House Appropriations Chair and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Manix" Dalipe, and major rice stakeholders to identify the necessary fundamental facilities and systems needed by the agricultural sector.

They also discussed steps that would enhance the Philippines’ rice production and produce rates.

During the discussion, Co proposed to do away with traders or middlemen by purchasing agricultural produce directly from farmers, who would then be able to get the maximum benefit from their produce.

“The national government can also help with the hauling para ‘yung cost — wala nang kotong-kotong. If we get direct or buy directly from the farmers, wala ng trader,” Co said.

Co also proposed the use of solar fertigation, an irrigation process that could double cropping cycles, and identifying strategic locations for fundamental agricultural structures.

“I hope we do not just create stand-alone structures. If they can be interconnected, it will [become] a food terminal that will revolutionize our agricultural supply chain,” Co said.

“Isama na natin lahat, cold storage, blast freezing, para maging food terminal na,” he added.

An example of a fundamental agricultural structure was Nueva Ecija’s “Rice Silos”, which became an integral part of the province’s rice industry by providing a steady rice supply to the market and preventing post-harvest losses.

“Ang kagandahan sa silos ‘yung mga palay hindi mo na kailangan ibilad sa kalsada,” said Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News