By Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star) Updated February 25, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) must give more urgency to its food self-sufficiency and security program in the light of increasing global food production shortages as a result of climate change and other factors.
Ric Pinca, executive director of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL), said the DA should encourage the local production of corn and soybeans which together comprise about 85 percent of animal feeds.
According to Pinca, corn is an alternative to rice and it ease pressure on rice production.
Pinca pointed out that food security has become more imperative in the face of what is happening to wheat.
Global production of wheat for 2010/2011 is projected to decrease by five percent to 645 million metric tons due to the effect of climate change which has ruined wheat production in Russia due to a prolonged drought, severe winter in Canada and flooding in Australia and Pakistan.
According to Pinca, wheat prices have doubled from of $4.48-$4.80 per bushel nine months ago to around $9.20/bushel.
Locally, Pinca said, flour prices have already moved up to P850 per 25 kilogram bag from P800/25 kg bag six months ago.
Although he was reluctant to make any further projection, Pinca would not discount the possibility that flour prices could reach as high as P900/25 kg bag.
Historically, flour prices have reached a high of almost P1,000 per 25 kg bag in 2008.
As a consequence, Pinca warned that local bread prices would continue to rise.
Based on bakers’ calculations, a P40 increase in the price of flour would result in a P1 increase in the price of loaf bread and for a 50-centavo increase in the price of 10 pieces of pandesal.
According to what I have read in the internet there are certain impacts with regards to the increase of food that would be if food prices increase there would also be a possibility that fuels will also increase because they are highly correlated with each other, economic growth in some large developing countries is leading to changes in diet and increased demand for food crops, etc,. by this certain impacts many drivers, consumers and producers will react about this situation its because "konti na nga ang pera na natatanggap sa kanilang pasada pati na sa pagtitinda tapos babawasan pa sila ng tax tapos tataas pa ang gasolina at pambili ng pagkain, paano sila makakaraos nito,diba?". They should think what's best for the good of others "hindi na sapat ang pambili nilang pagkain" so in the end it will lead to malnutrition and cause of death. I recommend that they would have feeding programs so that they could address the nutritional status including the pregnant women and also the kids who couldn't eat as much as those who are in the high standards. Help those who are in need especially those who needs food to feed their children. And also by donating some can goods, noodles, etc, or giving them 1 month supply for them to eat so that they could not die just because of hunger, right?. The government should think of this possibilities for a better improvement of the country.
