EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This policy issue paper addresses how to increase rice productivity in ARMM.
According to a book by Prof. Balisacan, et al., the maximum attainable yield is 9.20
tons/hectare during the wet season and 11.50 tons/hectare during the dry season. In a
data from Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the rice productivity of ARMM in 2010 was
only 3.00 tons/hectare, thus, the region has low productivity as compared to the
maximum attainable yield.
Low rice productivity is a social problem that is linked to farmers low actual yield
resulting to food inadequacy and insufficient seeds for planting; given that 70% of labor
force is employed in the agricultural sector, this means that low rice productivity can
lead to poverty and the situation can be made worse by a rapid increase of population.
It has been identified that investing in research, development and extension (RD & E)
would have long-term impact in the increase of rice productivity in the region and it also
results to higher return on investment.
To improve the rice productivity in ARMM, the government established the
Department of Agriculture-ARMM Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DAARMMIARC) and its Research Out-Reach Stations (ROS) in 1994 but up until now,
these organizations do not function to their maximum potential due to lesser attention
given by the government in investing on Research, Development & Extension.
The national government enacted policies which addressed low rice productivity
and these are as follows: RA 8435 (AFMA of 1997), RA 6657 (CARL of 1988) and RA
7160 (Local Government Code of 1991). It was assessed that each has its own
strengths and weaknesses in resolving the social problem of low rice productivity.
The policy paper identified three potential solutions: (1) strengthening the roles
and functions of DA-ARMMIARC; (2) extending the CARP; and (3) tightening the
relationship between DA and LGUs. Using the effectiveness and feasibility matrix as
well as Bardachs Typology Criteria, the first potential solution is the most feasible
followed by the third and second solutions.
The ARMMIARC will be strengthened through conducting various seminars,
forums, trainings, and workshops about technological advancements in rice farming.
Demonstration farms in municipalities will be established to serve as guide to proper
rice farming practices. Strict monitoring and evaluation of the conducted seminars and
demo farms will be implemented to assure that farmers benefit well from it. To the
extent possible, ARMMIARC will tap RD& E of SUCs. With the improvement of RD & E,
rice productivity is expected to increase, thus food self-sufficiency in the region will be
achieved. Furthermore, the income of rice farmers will increase thus alleviating poverty
in the region.