Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Rice shortage - does it mean food shortage in Mindanao?

Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP head, lately called to have alternative food for energy such as sweet potato (camote), corn, or cassava. Further, Ma. Teresa Ungson, Regional Coordinator of National Nutrition Council XI, also stressed that Filipinos should practice dietary diversification. I agree with them.

Is there really rice shortage? I don't believe so! Not in Mindanao! We still have fertile soil. We can plant root crops that has higher energy than rice. And mind you, if you happen to visit Davao City, have dinner at barbeque restaurants there is a signage saying "UNLIMITED RICE". Sounds unbelievable but true. Not only that, Davao City is the only City in Philippines that serves IRON-FORTIFIED RICE too in food establishments.

The real question is? Are we managing our soils enough to maintain productivity? or we just want to produce more and sacrificing the fertlity of our soil? If we continually use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, doesn't practice crop rotation, and doesn't practice soil conservation, I believe in a decade, Philippines would not only have rice shortage but food shortage as well. Who is to blame? Our Government? GMA? or the Farmers it self? No one is to be blamed at rather we (each and everyone) should do our best and exert every effort to have a sustainable food supply. We often finger point our leaders yet we don't realize we also have a role in food stability. I suppose the senators would do there role too and not only tinker of 2010 elections.

A month ago I heard that rice fortification with iron is being pushed especially in Region XI. I admire such efforts of DOH through the NNC-XI in iniating and implementing such program to address malnutrition problem particularly iron deficiency anemia. Nevertheless, I was amazed that the National Food Authority (NFA) have tried to hinder and question the innovative strategies on iron rice premix (eg. iron-premix in sachet) yet today THERE IS RICE SHORTAGE! Why does NFA failed to focus in ensuring adequate rice supply in the country? nor supportive to the efforts of DOH in iron rice fortification? I hope they (NFA) realize these.

Mindanao farmers continues to practice Sustainable Agriculture. Go Natural Farming! From Rice to Vegetable to Chicken to Goats and to Swine! Go on Mindanao!