The Philippines's food security and the coconut industry: Inquirer contributor

has decided to personally take the helm of the Department of Agriculture .

Importation is a way by which countries that cannot produce enough food ensure the availability of food supplies for their population. Singapore, for example, which has only 1 per cent of its land available for food production, imports 90 per cent of its food requirement. The Philippine coconut industry can contribute meaningfully to national food security through food production and income improvement strategies. There are 3.5 million hectares of coconut lands in the country. Much of this area can be devoted to food production to enhance the country's food self-sufficiency.

Productivity improvement and value adding are also income-enhancing strategies available to coconut farmers. Introducing fertiliser into coconut farms will improve productivity, thereby doubling the incomes of 20 million Filipinos who are dependent on coconut farming for their living. This will enhance food security for close to 20 per cent of the country's population. In addition, coconut hybridisation will further augment productivity in the long term.

The above measures are within reach of the Marcos Jr. administration. All that is needed is an inspired new vision for the coconut industry and proper utilisation of resources under the new coconut levy law.

Singapore Singapore Latest News, Singapore Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

The Big Read: Consumers feeling the squeeze as industry disruptors come under pressure to deliver profitsExperts have long warned that it is inevitable for these industry disruptors – from food delivery and ride-hailing to e-commerce platforms – to shift towards seeking profitability, but the time of reckoning has come sooner than expected.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Canada considers extending timeline for oil industry emission targetsMONTREAL: Canada, the world's fourth-largest oil producer, is considering pushing back its greenhouse gas reduction timeline for its oil industry, the environment minister told media Saturday (Jul 23). The government recognises that 'some of the measures that will be needed to achieve those deep emission r
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Heart of the Matter: What would car industry experts change about the COE system?Why are COE prices so high now? Have private-hire companies affected the system? Should the COE system be changed? Experts weigh in on these questions on CNA's Heart of the Matter podcast. Honestly it really needs to come down heavy and fast. I need a sub 80K inc COE new car by this year and I honestly cannot stand it being this high. First time car owners should be able to buy new cars at an affordable rate.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »