This means P2.4 billion lost to local rice producers. There is P16 difference between local and imported rice. Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor is deluding himself if he thinks that selling cheaper imported rice can be good for the market and benefit poor farmers. Importation kills local agricultural production in the long run despite short-term benefits like relatively low prices. More importantly, importation jeopardizes our food security, as self-sufficiency is not developed.
Farmers receive fewer benefits and lower subsidies every year.
We demand that the Macapagal administration stop the importation of rice and of other agricultural products. The DA and the NFA should give back the P2.4 billion lost to farmers in the form of government subsidies and support, otherwise, the Filipino peasantry can expect only further destitution under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Fridays Michael L. Tan Pinoy Kasi Tuesdays , Thursdays Ma.