CEBU, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-7 admitted that the Central Visayas is far from being self-sufficient in terms of rice production despite ongoing efforts to improve agricultural outturn through irrigation projects and developments.
NIA-7 regional manager Engr. Rory Avance noted that based on their Irrigation Master Plan from 2023 to 2030, the capacity for rice production in the region is only 24 to 25 percent compared to the region’s growing population.
“It’s sad to note, in terms of self-sufficiency sa rice, Region 7 is not self-sufficient,” said Avance.
As cited by Avance in the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Central Visayas’ total population is about 8.08 million with a population growth of 1.88 percent. The data shows a wide gap between the region's population to its capacity to produce rice.
He added that only the province of Bohol stands out as a sufficient rice producer, but he also doubts whether it can sustain its own rice requirements based solely on its production.
“The questions is, makaya ba e-sustain ang requirement in terms sa rice for the Central Visayas kung atong basehan is ang isla lang sa Bohol,” said Avance.
When asked which province might be self-sufficient by 2030, Avance indicated that Negros Oriental has the potential to meet its rice needs.
“We should understand nga pipila lang ka area nato diri sa Cebu ang gi-devote nato for rice production. In fact, in terms of irrigation development in Cebu, please take note that most of the areas dinhi are vegetables,” said Avance.
Meanwhile, NIA-7 revealed that the total land area utilized for irrigation projects in Central Visayas has reached 1,520,510 hectares, which is 25.55 percent of their target.
In particular, Bohol leads in establishing irrigation projects at 29.04 percent, followed by Negros Oriental at 27.16 percent. Cebu has achieved a target of 19.01 percent, while Siquijor has reached 15.23 percent.
As of December 31, 2023, there are 569 existing irrigation systems and 45 irrigation projects covering a total service area of 53,166.80 hectares. (FREEMAN)