26/06/2024
ANALYSIS:
The Philippines needs rice — but young people don’t want to farm it
The , one of the world's largest consumers, is facing a looming crisis as its young population shuns the grueling and often impoverished life of rice . This is particularly concerning, given that the country's rice self-sufficiency rate has been declining in recent years, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting a rate of 86.2% in 2022, down from 92.1% in 2019.
As a result, the country may need to rely more heavily on to meet its rice demands, which could have significant implications for and the economy as a whole. On the other hand, some argue that this shift away from traditional farming practices could present opportunities for and in the agricultural sector, potentially leading to increased efficiency and productivity. However, without a new generation of rice farmers, the Philippines' ability to feed its growing population remains uncertain.
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