NIA: CV sufficient in rice production

CEBU, Philippines — Despite ongoing efforts to improve Central Visayas' agricultural output through irrigation projects, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-7 has disclosed that the region remains insufficient in terms of rice production.

According to NIA-7 regional manager, Engr. Rory Avance, the Irrigation Master Plan from 2023 to 2030 reveals that the region’s rice production capacity is only 24 to 25 percent compared to the growing population's needs.

“It’s sad to note, in terms of self-sufficiency as rice, Region 7 is not self-sufficient,” said Avance.

Avance cited the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), noting that Central Visayas has a population of approximately 8.08 million, with a growth rate of 1.88 percent.

This significant shortfall in rice production relative to the region's population poses a serious food security concern.

Only the province of Bohol is currently self-sufficient in rice production. However, Avance questioned whether Bohol could sustain its 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 become 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.

NIA-7 also provided updates on irrigation development in Central Visayas, revealing that the total land area utilized for irrigation projects has reached 1,520,510 hectares, which is 25.55 percent of their target.

Bohol leads with 29.04 percent of irrigation projects established, followed by Negros Oriental at 27.16 percent, Cebu at 19.01 percent, and Siquijor at 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.

Moreover, the NIA's budget for 2025 successfully passed plenary deliberations in the House of Representatives. Several lawmakers have proposed increasing funding allocations to enhance farm production and improve farmers' incomes.

The proposed budget for NIA is P42.57 billion, with around P1 billion allocated for Central Visayas.

“We just hope during the plenary sometimes karong November siguro sa Senate ma aprobahan na kini and eventually mao nana siya ang mahimo na budget for region 7 for 2025,” said Avance. (CEBU  NEWS)