MANILA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to help boost rice production in the Philippines.
The DA said the five-year MOU seeks to boost the country's rice industry through sustainable practices that enhance yield, reduce production costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve marketing efficiency and value addition.
The MOU requires both agencies to carry out activities that would improve extension services and enhance the capacity of public institutions to scale up the adoption of farm technology, practices, and services.
Both parties also agreed to help develop the skills and knowledge of Filipino research and extension workers.
"This agreement with IRRI will help DA realize its vision of a food-secured, globally-competitive, and climate-resilient Philippines, where rice farmers reap the fruits of their labor and more investments are poured into agriculture to attract the younger generation of farmers," Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
Under the agreement, the DA will conduct research for development projects with IRRI, helping to realize its mandate and priorities and strengthen the scientific capabilities of various DA research agencies. ■
