Govt ensures the availability of climate-ready rice varieties

In preparation for the potential onslaught that the La Niña weather phenomenon might bring, the Philippine government has made sure that there are available climate-ready rice varieties. "In particular, our focus is on the readiness of submergence-tolerant rice in fields [that are] vulnerable to sudden increase [of] water levels," Agriculture Undersecretary Joel Rudinas said Wednesday. The submergence-tolerant rice varieties will be allocated to flood-prone localities, said Rudinas, who made sure that there are enough seeds to be distributed to farmers. Rudinas stressed that this rice variety can stand prolonged exposure to excessive water levels "without a significant reduction in yield." A hectare of this variety may yield as much as 3 to 4 metric tons (MT) of rice. Rudinas said the government is also implementing the rehabilitation of some irrigation facilities to avoid spillover or run-off water spills. "We are also mulling to conduct a La Niña weather phenomenon summit, wherein the government at the national and local levels, meet up with all concerned stakeholders for a unified system in battling this phenomenon," said Rudinas. The department reiterated that the government has more than enough rice inventory during the lean months or rainy season. The National Food Authority has strategically positioned stock nationwide in calamity-prone areas before the onset of the rainy season. —JE/OMG, GMANews.TV