DA eyes shift in rice production to ‘typhoon-free’ areas

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing a shift in rice production to new areas that are considered typhoon-free to avert a further decline in output brought about by man-made and natural causes.

“What’s happening right now is a grim reminder for us to really review our agricultural planning and consider the fact it may no longer be wise for us to really focus our resources alone in the traditional farming areas because of the intensity and frequency of typhoons,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol told reporters.