The El Niño episode clearly shows the need for government to continue pursuing self-sufficiency, not only in paddy rice production but also in other food staples, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

“We should really take a close look at our importation program. When rice exporting countries are also hit by El Niño and prices shoot up, are we just going to surrender our production and put the fate of our nation to just importing rice?” Alcala told reporters on the sideline of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Award in Pasay City on Thursday.

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