MANILA, Philippines--The Department of Agriculture has committed to allocate P1.16 billion over the next two years for agricultural research and development.

This commitment forms part of the Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan 2009-2010, which aims to increase the country's rice output to 19.8 million metric tons by 2010. At least P30 billion will be needed to fully implement the programs detailed under the plan.

"R&D on new rice technologies that could help expand the current production frontier is important in attaining a 100-percent rice self-sufficiency by 2010 and in providing affordable rice for all Filipinos," the plan said.

The plan further explained that "science-based technologies that address key production constraints in the farm are still among the most effective and cost-efficient means of improving productivity."

Under the rice plan, research institutions, along with national and local government agencies, will develop next generation water-saving technologies, improve integrated strategies for pest and disease management, and design sustainable management of emerging and future food and feed production.

Documents showed that the biggest component under R&D consists of the development of location-specific technologies on varieties, nutrient and pest management, which will be allocated P400 million for 2009 until 2010. Provinces may be able to get P2.5 million under this component.

Other components of the plan are improvement of system-wide water management (P100 million); development of provincial Palay Check recommendations (P50.8 million); sustainable integrated farming systems (P120 million); climate change research (P40 million); policy research (P100 million); rice biotechnology (P60 million); remote sensing for rice production estimates (P100 million); and support for state colleges and universities (P190 million).

Institutions such as the International Rice Research Institute earlier stressed the need for increased investments in R&D. It noted that achieving a supply-demand rice balance at a reasonable price will require steady investments in new technologies and improved management practices to raise rice yields.

"We're now paying the price for decades of neglect of agricultural research," IRRI director general Robert Zeigler had said.

IRRI added that the current surge in the prices of the staple is set against a background of "ever increasing population sizes and stagnating yield growth."

The Philippines, the world's biggest rice importer, is aiming for self-sufficiency by 2010-2011, through a five-point agenda anchored on higher spending for agriculture development.

Since 1994, local rice production has not kept up with Philippine demand for the staple, which has steadily increased over the years. From 29,000 tons two years ago, national daily consumption is currently estimated at 33,000 tons.