Agri-Info

Weather changes all the time. The average pattern of weather, called climate, usually stays pretty much the same for centuries if it is left to itself. However, the earth is not being left alone. People are taking actions that can change the earth and its climate in significant ways.

By David C. Dawe

Rice is such an integral part of history and culture in the Philippines that for many Filipinos rice imports are a source of national shame. Many reasons are typically advanced for the failure to achieve rice self-sufficiency—faulty government policy, corruption, conversion of rice land to other uses, backward rice farmers, deteriorating irrigation systems, and lack of farm credit, among others. But all countries, including several rice exporters, complain about these problems. Although some of these problems are important, they do not explain why the Philippines imports rice.

By Dr. Gelia T. Castillo, National Scientist and IRRI Consultant

Rice is life. So, when the global rice crisis hit in 2008, it threatened many lives. The year became well remembered for the soaring prices, the long lines in the market, the panic, the blame game, and the social unrest in different countries. A sense of alarm grew when rice, known to be the most "affordable" food for the poor, suddenly became "unaffordable." It reminded the world of rice's crucial role in human existence. It also revived interest in agriculture.

International Definitions

By Baby P. Ramilo, Agriculture magazine (12.2005)

Here's a guide recommended by the National Research and Development Center (NMRDC) in Guimaras on the proper cultural management of bearing mango trees.