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| The rice-based farming framework promoted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute. (RTM/PhilRice) |
Rice-based farming will increase farmers’ income and consumers will
have healthier options according to Dr. Eufemio T.
Rasco Jr., of the National Academy for Science and Technology (NAST) and a
former executive director of PhilRice.
The said approach requires
diversification, integration, and intensification of farming practices.
“Instead of rice mono-cropping,
farmers should also grow other crops, and livestock alongside rice. With the
use of existing models like vermiculture, mushroom production, mungbean, corn,
garlic, duck, and fish that can be grown and maintained alongside with rice,
farmers will have reduced dependence on rice as the main source of income,”
said Dr. Rasco during a seminar at PhilRice on January 13.
Dr. Rasco highlighted the
significance of Palayamanayon,
a PhilRice advocacy that aims to transform a community of farmers into
agri-preneurs. Its scope is not limited to crops and livestock but also covers
fishes and vermiculture. Its scale is not just for household food security but
also covers the national food security as well.
In Palayamanayon, everything a
farmer places in his farm serves a purpose. With rice as the main crop,
vegetables and livestock are also integrated to optimize the overall farm
system. Ducks and fish may be integrated for pest control and added income; or
azolla may be planted as source of organic inputs. Nothing is wasted in the
close-loop method.
With rice-based farming, consumers
may also try other staples. Kamote, cassava, white corn, brown rice, and
parboiled rice are among them. Dr. Rasco also emphasized the consumption of
brown rice in-line with the Brown4Good
campaign of the Institute. It is also rich with dietary fibers, magnesium,
selenium and other vitamins that help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
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