Farmers work in a rice field in Bulacan on April 24, 2024. (AFP)
The Philippines is once again the world’s largest rice importer,
projected to import 4.1 million metric tons (MMT) this year, surpassing
last year’s import of 3.9 MMT. This projection, made by the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raises concerns and questions
about the country’s rice supply and consumption practices, despite the
Department of Agriculture’s (DA) claims that the impact of El Niño on
rice production is minimal.
Is there a rice shortage?
Despite the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the DA asserts that rice
production remains strong. However, rice traders are purchasing unmilled
rice, or palay, at prices up to P30 per kilogram, significantly higher
than the National Food Authority (NFA) rates. This delay in NFA’s
response to market conditions resulted in missed opportunities to
stabilize prices earlier in the harvest season.
If the effects of El Niño are indeed minimal, why is there a need to
import such a large quantity of rice? The discrepancy lies in the data
used to calculate rice demand. The USDA’s figures are based on a per
capita consumption rate of 151.3 kg, which should be recalibrated to a
more realistic 119 kg per capita. Using the latter figure, the national
rice demand would be around 13.09 MMT, rather than the inflated 16.643
MMT.
Current rice yield and deficit
Even accounting for El Niño, the DA reports that rice yields remain
relatively unaffected, with a total yield of approximately 19.6 MMT of
unmilled rice, equivalent to 12.543 MMT of milled rice. After accounting
for seeds, feeds, and other uses, the actual deficit should be about
2.51 MMT, not the alarming figures suggested by the inflated consumption
rate.
The fundamental purpose of rice importation is to ensure an adequate
supply, avoiding scenarios where consumers face long lines and high
prices. However, over-importation could discourage local farmers from
planting more rice and striving for higher yields.
The NFA plays a crucial role here, as current legislation in Congress
aims to repeal the Rice Tariffication Law, which effectively abolished
the NFA’s role in price stabilization. The NFA should aim to maintain a
60-day buffer stock instead of the current 7 to 9 days and be allowed to
import directly, ensuring that the nation’s food staple is not left in
the hands of private traders whose primary goal is profit.
Addressing food prices
Current food prices are significantly lower than their true value,
factoring in inflation and peso devaluation. For instance, the price of
well-milled rice today is only about one-third of its
inflation-corrected price from the 1970s, which should be around P150
per kilogram.
Several measures can be taken to improve both supply and demand sides of rice production and consumption:
Supply-side measures:
Revive food-growing culture: Encouraging citizens
to grow their own food can significantly bolster food security. This
approach has been part of human civilization for thousands of years and
should be revived.
Small-scale food production: Aggregated small-scale food production can be substantial. Family farms and gardens can sustain food supply in the long run.
Sustainable agriculture: Pursuing biodiverse,
integrated, and organic-sustainable (BIOS) agriculture can provide a
more reliable food source. Organic farming requires less energy and is
more consistent with declining fossil fuel supplies.
Demand-side measures:
Diversify food sources: Reducing reliance on rice
by supplementing with other carbohydrate-rich crops like corn and sweet
potatoes can help achieve self-sufficiency.
Minimize food wastage: Consuming unpolished rice, which is more nutritious and yields higher milling recovery, can save significant amounts of rice.
Rethink meat consumption: Adjusting meat
consumption and utilizing livestock that do not compete directly with
human food can make a substantial difference.
Conclusion
As the Philippines navigates its role as the world’s largest rice
importer, it is essential to implement strategies that balance imports
with local production and ensure food security. Sustainable practices
and efficient use of resources can help mitigate the need for excessive
imports and support the nation’s farmers. This multifaceted approach
requires concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and the
general populace. Encouraging local food production, adopting
sustainable agricultural practices, and diversifying dietary habits are
crucial steps toward achieving a stable and secure food supply.
Moreover, policy reforms and effective governance are needed to
empower institutions like the NFA to play a more proactive role in
stabilizing rice prices and maintaining adequate buffer stocks.
Addressing issues such as corruption and ensuring transparency in rice
trading and importation processes will also contribute to a more
resilient rice sector.
Ultimately, achieving rice self-sufficiency and reducing dependence
on imports will not only benefit the economy but also enhance the
nation’s food sovereignty, ensuring that every Filipino has access to
affordable and nutritious food. The journey towards a more sustainable
and self-reliant rice industry is challenging but imperative for the
future of the Philippines.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Teodoro C. Mendoza is a retired
Full Professor and UP Scientist 2 of the Institute of Crop Sciences,
College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, at the University of the
Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna. Currently, he is the Science Director
of the Community Legal Help and Public Interest Center. You can reach
him at ecofarm.mndz2011@gmail.com.
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