Problems in rice farming: a Filipino farmers' perspective

There are several problems besetting the rice industry in the country. This paper aimed to identify the trends in common problems encountered by farmers. It also aimed to determine which among these problems significantly affects rice production. Simple statistical tools and production function were used in this study. The results revealed that common problems encountered by rice farmers were: high cost of inputs, low price of palay, lack of capital, labor problem, lack of postharvest facilities, pest and diseases and irrigation system. The results also showed that lack of capital and pests and diseases significantly affects production during wet season while irrigation system is a significant factor for both seasons. This implies that an increase in these factors would considerably reduce the output. On the contrary, the coefficients of low price of palay and high cost of inputs, though found highly significant, do not conform to the expected values. The implication is that an increase in these variables would result to an increase in total output. For high cost of inputs, one possible reason why this problem could lead to an increase in output is due to farmers' efficient use of inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides. Similarly, low palay price may imply that farmers who yields more encounters a problem with unavailability of postharvest facilities and/or lack of drying pavements, thus forcing them to sell their produce fresh despite its low price. Guven the significance of these factors, outcome of this paper may serve as a guide when government tries to refocus the components of rice programs. Addressing the actual problems and needs of rice farmers would enhance the agricultural productivity, thus leads us to rice, self-sufficient country. Similarly, linkage and support services among rice stakeholders should be strengthened to prevent problems in rice farming.