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Go echoes call for stronger gov't interventions amid India's rice export ban
Philippines
National
Go echoes call for stronger gov't interventions amid India's rice export ban
Go echoes call for stronger gov't interventions amid India's rice export ban
Published Aug 4, 2023 06:06 am
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has echoed calls for an immediate and stronger government interventions in the agricultural sector amid concerns of possible tighter supply of rice following India’s export ban.
“What is important is our Department of Agriculture (DA); the government needs to start intervention programs as soon as possible,” Go said in Filipino in an interview in Tuy, Batangas on Thursday, August 3.
“We cannot blame India, they have their priorities and they need to feed their own population,” he further said.
Go said there is definitely a need to focus on supporting local farmers and boosting the domestic production of rice through various means.
This includes providing drought-resistant rice seeds, more fertilizers, additional irrigation, increased training, and easy access to credit facilities with low-interest rates.
He also pointed out India's decision to ban rice exports has implications far beyond its borders, as the country accounts for more than 40 percent of the global rice trade.
Go noted the timing of India’s rice export ban is unfortunate for the Philippines, as the nation is already grappling with flooded rice fields due to recent typhoons and monsoon conditions.
On top of this, Vietnam, the primary supplier of the Philippines' rice imports, is already increasing its price.
Because of this, Go said it becomes pertinent for the Philippines to be self-reliant and for the government to strengthen the local agricultural sector.
“We must work together to protect our farmers, stabilize prices, and safeguard the welfare of our consumers,” he added.