The Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) on Friday said that local rice farmers could be globally competitive if labor costs are reduced and production yield increased through modern farming.

In a press briefing, ATI Deputy Director Dr. Rosana Mula explained that this could be attained through the planting of quality seeds and proper use of modern machineries.

Explaining further, Mula cited that the drying and milling process, adapting to rice machinery and use of solar irrigation are some of the important factors that will propel the farmers to have increased yields.

Stressing her point, Mula said the rice production cost will plunge if the Philippines can lower its labor cost to P9 compared to Vietnam’s P12.

“At kung ating mapataas ang production o yield from 4 tons to 5-6 tons per hectare yan din po ay magiging competitive ang ating mga farmers (And if we can raise the production yield from four tons to five to six tons per hectare then our local farmers will be competitive),’’ Mula said.

Mula said that adapting to the use of quality seeds and proper use of modern farm machineries can be attained through the rice extension service by the government.

She explained that the rice extension service is one of the four facets of the “rice competitiveness fund (RCEF).

“Ang layunin nitong extension service na ito ay itaas ang antas ng kakayahan at kaalaman ng ating rice farmers (The purpose of this extension service is to upgrade the skill and capability skills of our rice farmers),’’ she added.

Mula said that the program puts prime emphasis to low productivity which is included in the various training sessions.

“Makabagong teknolohiya lalong lalo na sa paggamit ng dekalidad at mataas na klase ng punla o seeds at ang tamang paggamit ng machinery o farming mechanization (Modern technology specifically in the use of quality and top of the line seedlings or seeds and proper use of machinery or farming mechanization),’’ she added. 

Mula said that these are the important factors that make the farmers highly competitive in the world market.

She clarified that RCEF is being implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMEC) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)  “and of course’’ the ATI which leads the extension service. 

Mula said that PHILRICE have specialists who train the trainers while the trainer's training program is also under the ATI.