Consult rice farmers first before importing -- solon

Government must first consult local farmers before authorizing the importation of more rice.

House Majority Leader Eduardo Gullas (LAMP, Cebu City) reminded the Department of Agriculture that it is duty-bound to conduct public consultations before pursuing plans to import farm products that might threaten local farmers.

Gullas said the prior consultations are required under the Magna Carta of Small Farmers.

"Unless our buffer stock is critically low, government should be more cautious in importing rice. We also have to protect our farmers," Gullas stressed.

"And if we must buy from abroad to boost our buffer, then the imported stocks should not be released into the local market unless absolutely necessary," he pointed out.

Gullas said funds meant for the importation could be put to better use. He added: "We should use the money to boost the productivity and efficiency of our farmers by distributing high-yielding rice varieties, expanding irrigation systems and improving postharvest infrastructures."

Citing a National Postharvest Institute study, Gullas said the country has been losing 23 percent of its annual rice output as a result of inefficient drying of palay grains, improper storage and poor distribution facilities.

Gullas said grains are being wasted as a result of open drying in roadsides and rice stocks are being lost to infestation and exposure to decomposition.

Agriculture Undersecretary Benjamin Domingo earlier said the National Food Authority (NFA) may import 350,000 metric tons of rice before July to cover the expected shortfall in palay output.

Domingo said target production this year is 12.5 million tons of palay or about nine million tons of rice.

The NFA imported nearly three million tons of rice from 1998 to 1999. Last year alone, it spent P840 million to import 800,000 tons of the staple.