Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte has introduced a bill seeking to promote the cultivation and export of aromatic and fancy rice varieties so that the country can tap aggressively the rapidly growing world market for the high-priced commodities.

Under House Bill 4339, it would be declared state policy to advance the production and sale abroad of aromatic and fancy rice varieties. This, on top of the public policy to achieve national self-sufficiency in the production of ordinary, hybrid and other rice varieties for domestic consumption.

"While the country strives to be self-reliant in the production of regular rice for local consumption, we should also not lose sight of the need to push exceptional varieties that command a premium in the global market," Villafuerte said.

Under Villafuerte's proposal, the extraordinary rice that may be exported would include Sinampaguita; Denorado; Milagrosa; Sinan-domeng; Maligaya Selections 3, 6 and 8; College 22; UPLB Rice 5 and 7; and other varieties deemed saleable abroad, after production trials and market analysis by the National Food Authority (NFA).

These and other aromatic and fancy rice varieties do not have a mass market domestically, mainly owing to their unusually high prices.

Locally, Denorado rice retails for P3,000 to P3,700 per 50-kilo bag; Sinandomeng, P2,500 to P3,200; Jasmine, P3,500 to P4,300; R64, P2,600 to P3,300; and Whole Grain Super Laon, P2,700 to P3,300.

These quotations are two to three times the prevailing market price of the best-quality ordinary rice, at P1,200 per bag.

Villafuerte pointed out that aromatic and fancy rice varieties, particularly those grown organically, are now highly favored abroad not only in the preparation of specialty rice cuisine, but also for daily consumption in rich markets.

"The growing popularity of aromatic rice dishes in Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe, has sparked a huge demand for the Jasmine rice of Thailand, the Basmati rice of India and Pakistan, and other varieties that produce a natural fragrance when cooked, such as those already locally developed," he said.

By supporting the local production and export of the special rice varieties, Villafuerte said the country could once again emerge as a major player in the world market for the staple.

Under HB 4339, the NFA would be required to formulate and execute, in cooperation with other agencies and private institutions, production and export programs for aromatic and fancy rice varieties.

The NFA would also be mandated to encourage the production of the special rice varieties through direct technical assistance, funding support and stand-by purchase commitments.

Finally, the bill empowers the NFA to sell abroad, directly or through accredited exporters, the aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties.