In view of this, the NFA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are embarking on a rice conservation program to encourage people to practice rice conservation measures and minimize losses.

NFA Information Officer Gladdys Gallano said the research further showed that the one-year wastage, when saved through practical means, is enough for a 14-day supply requirement, based on the nationwide average daily consumption of 646,000 bags.

Gallano said that last year the volume of rice importation reached 1.87 million metric tons.

"We can save about 1.17 million metric tons, if rice conservation measures are being practiced nationwide.

This would mean that import requirements would be smaller in volume if only to meet the country’s supply requirement," Gallano said.

The NFA and the DA will actively campaign on a conservation program, it was noted.

The campaign would cover a wide range of aspects to include good practices in purchasing, storage, cooking, and eating, among others.

They also asked the restaurants or food chains to support the program.

Rice conservation had been a practice, at least about three decades ago.

Studies may also be conducted on which stages -- from harvest, storage, distribution, retailing, home storage and consumption – account for most of the wastage.