Top officials from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) gathered physically and virtually to discuss key strategies and programs toward achieving rice sufficiency, sustainability, and resiliency in the country on Jan. 27, 2021.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar, in his message, pointed out two key areas: national irrigation system, and relevant researches, which will create a great impact on global warming and adverse weather.
The DA chief hoped that the partnership will result in innovation in climate-resilient rice varieties, and in identifying gaps such as the need for more reforestation, rain catch, and research on transboundary pests and diseases.
“At the end of the day, we need to achieve two things: increasing productivity, and increasing the income of farmers, through cost-reduction technologies,” Sec. Dar said. (Photos by Alarico Nuestro, DA-AFID)
