Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute will convene the rice sector to discuss the new challenges and opportunities in rice research for development (R4D) in the 33rd Ugnay Palay: National Rice R4D e-conference, Nov. 4-5.
Dr. John C. de Leon, executive director, said that the conference will focus on the agriculture sector adapting strategies that emphasize food security amidst the pandemic.
“The pandemic is pushing us to think and act more. This is the time when availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food need not be compromised while dealing with the farm productivity constraints. The Mandanas-Garcia ruling and the province-led agriculture and fishery extension system (PAFES) may provide opportunities for us to improve the agriculture sector,” he said.
The Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which includes the rollout of more agriculture and fishery programs at the local government unit (LGU) level, will be discussed by Ariel T. Cayanan, undersecretary for operations and agri-fisheries mechanization.
Dr. Rex L. Navarro, technical expert in agricultural extension, will also discuss the PAFES. With PAFES, provinces will serve as extension hubs that synchronize agricultural plans and programs as well as orchestrate the activities of various stakeholders. DA will co-plan, co-invest, co-implement, and co-monitor priority projects in the provinces.
Researchers, scientists, academics, students, farmers, and other stakeholders will help identify ways that can assist the local government units in implementing the new programs.
One DA Reform Agenda, national agricultural programs, and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Programs will also be highlighted in the plenary sessions.
The conference is a yearly event that facilitates discourse on rice research for development among stakeholders in the rice industry.
