by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Weekly Kapihan forum at Smokehauz Resto & Bar on October 22, 2011 discussed, "State of Food Security In Aklan". Guests are Mr. Noli Delegencia, OIC Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Mr. William B. Castillo, Provincial Agriculturist, DA, Engr. Rizalo F. Concepcion, Div. Manager, NIA, Ms. Judith T. Tindog, Sr. Grains Officer, NFA, Ms. Marlyn R. Canete, AT-DA, Ms. Mae R. Maatubang, Agriculturist III, and Mr. Francisco R. Tocol, AT-DA. It should be underscored that the province of Aklan prioritizes agriculture and tourism as twin engines of growth for progress and stability.
Mr. Delegencia said that preliminary estimate of palay production from January to June 2011 is 58,603 metric tons (mts) and another 46,000 mts in July to December. Record performance is from 6,712 hectares irrigated and 10,408 hectares rainfed. Normal average yield of irrigated area is 3.8 metric tons per hectare while rainfed is 3.5 metric tons per hectare. Basically, good weather prevailed for the first three quarters of this year. Surplus production is computed at 7,371 mts palay or 4,691 mts rice for the six month period.
However, for poultry and livestock products, there is much to be desired. Demand is filled up by imports of 800 heads cattle and beef from Iloilo and Antique every quarter, 30 heads of swine, 16,000 dressed chicken and 200,000 pcs. eggs every quarter. Deficit in poultry, meat and eggs is due to scant investments in commercial animal production. Based on record, there are only four poultry operators and piggery projects in Aklan due to slim margin of profitability.
In fisheries, there is steady growth in aquaculture especially in 3,245 hectares developed fishpond of the New Washington. Marine fisheries are augmented by deep sea fishing vessles and lambaklad initially im-plemented by provincial government in Mabilo, Kalibo; Katipunan, Buruanga; and Baybay, Makato. Production however of the latter is stalled during northeast moonson or the amihan except in Buruanga.
Mr. Castillo revealed that the DA has a mission of uplifting the lives and productivity of farmers and fisherfolks through adoption of scientific agricultural practices. In order to realize its goals, the DA conduct trainings and seminars on leading food commodities especially rice (inbred and hybrid), high value crops (vegetables, mango), root crops, and plantation (rubber and cacao). It also spearheads conservation of angelwing clams, pangasius fry culture and protocols for establishment of marine sanctuary.
Ms. Maatubang, DA Coordinator for hybrid rice says that total area planted to hybrid is 368.4 hectares down from 1,000 hectares. Reason is the removal of financial aid leaving only subsidy for seeds equivalent to P1,600 per bag.
Ms. Canete, DA Coordinator for high value crops mentioned that total of 444 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds were distributed to all towns. Priority is training of farmers and Vocational Teachers in backyard vegetable production. Under the Gulayan sa Kalusugan done in partnership with DepEd, seeds, garden tools and technical supervision is done to insure success since harvest is funneled to malnutrition intervention.
Ms. Tindog said that Aklan as of October 21, 2011 has 142.6 days of reserved rice supply with 609,095 bags inventory of commercial, household, and government stock. Grains procurement is on-going at procurement centers pegged at P17.20/kgm clean and dry, plus incentive fee of P.30 per kilogram for cooperatives.
NFA has warehouse inventory of P128,095 bags of certified palay seeds, local rice stock of 3,594 and imported rice of 256 bags. Our food security stocks for any contingency is 8,540 bags, Ms. Tindog added.
Engr. Concepcion stated that NIA covers 3,973 hectares serving the 3 irrigation system (East and West of Aklan river and Panakuyan river). The agency is actively implementing training of accredited Farmer’s Irrigation Assn. officers/members in 2 modules preparatory to handling over management by stakeholders in 2012. Under the Plan, Irrigators Association will undertake the maintenance/repair of irrigation canals and farm ditches and collect irrigation fees. Obviously smooth transition especially on technical aspects will be enforced at initial stage of implementation. The Association shall be entitled to a fair share in the revenues.
Meanwhile, possible disruption of irrigation water services is foreseen in the next few months in irrigation tributaries of Estancia, Tigayon and Pook, Kalibo and Mantiguib, Makato since canals will be line with concrete. For Ibajay, rehabilitation on damaged section from Sta. Cruz to Solido, Nabas will be restored with a P25 million fund. Engr. Concepcion appealed to farmer stakeholders to cooperate fully with management by prompt settlement of their dues equivalent to 150 kgms dried palay per hectare.
It is gratifying that BAS reported a perceptible increase in fish catch by sustenance fishermen for the 1st and 2nd quarter of this year. Most likely the fish sanctuaries established through LGU and DA – BFAR collaboration is working positively and on the right track. A total of 783.5 hectares fish sanctuaries were set up over a ten year period and although a proverbial drop in the bucket has worked wonders. We need to expand this cost effective economic undertakings in our 10 coastal municipalities. So far leading contender is Tangalan with 375 hectares with additional sites in Baybay, Makato, and Navitas, Numancia.
DA Sec. Proceso Alcala hopes to achieve rice self sufficiency in 2013 by boosting production growth to 7.1 percent per year. Historical growth data however shows an average of 3.47 percent over the last 40 years. Apparently this could only be possible with extensive cultivation of hybrid rice as is being done in China and Japan. Hybrids have potential to increase yield by 25 to 50 percent over inbreds. Other limiting factor is predominance of rainfed areas and crippling effects of typhoon, flood, and pests/diseases. Moreover, aging population (average is 57) is much less receptive to change than when they are young adults. Consequently annual income is P27,000 way down below the poverty line.
Ironically Aklan has whistled down its much vaunted hybrid rice program. Certainly, this is a big letdown to the national goal of self sufficiency and curbing dependence on costly grain importations. Actually, without carry over inventory of imported and local rice stocks, our reserved rice supply of 142 days could be seriously imperiled.
Compounding the problem is prevailing shortage of meat and poultry products, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Subsidizing imports whether domestic or foreign when they can be grown locally is irrational, self defeating and unsustainable. Only possible implication is increase in price of basic food commodities that will exacerbate poverty and hunger of most vulnerable groups. UNDP studies indicate that food cost rises by 50 percent when purchased rather than being produced by farmers themselves.
Presently, 14 out of 17 towns are under 4 P’s, a program likened by Pres. Aquino to resuscitate a drowning victim. Evidently this is designed for those who have lost their sensibilities and well being. Rather than be grateful, those on the payroll of CCT’s must renounced their despondency, take a stand and regain lost dignity and self respect through hard work. It is high time that food must be available, affordable, and sustainable to all reflecting the sweet theme of UN World Food Day "From Crisis To Stability". /MP
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