TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines — Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala assured an abundant rice supply in the country in 2012 as he concluded last weekend his visit to different provinces in the Cagayan region that were devastated by recent typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”

“Our government does not need to import rice this time because there is a surplus on rice production, based on the first to third quarter reports of rice production this year,” Alcala said.

In fact, the DA chief believes that the abundance in rice supply is such that there will be no need for the country to make additional imports of rice.

“I asked the President not to allow the importation of rice yet because I studied our production in the previous quarters and we have surpassed our targets before. There is no need for us to buy (rice) from other countries. I believe that our stocks are sufficient to feed the nation up to the next cropping season,” he said.

Alcala said the government only needs to assist those who were heavily devastated to ensure that the targeted rice self-sufficiency in 2013 will be reached.

He advised the farmers to start the planting season at least a month before the regular planting time to ensure that all crops are already harvested before the typhoon months.

“It is better if by September, all crops are already harvested and by the end of November we can start planting again,” Alcala said. The secretary is also optimistic that the country can attain its goal of rice-self sufficiency by 2013.

Meanwhile, reports from DA Region 2 showed that at least 57,778 hectares of agricultural crops were destroyed by the two typhoons in which 3,905 hectares were totally damaged while 48,843 hectares were partially damaged.

DA Region 2 Technical Director Valeriano Perdido said that in consolidating all production this year; the region has still a surplus of rice productions and still have sufficient rice to feed the people until the next cropping season.

In response, Alcala also assured a “quick turn around” response program to restore the typhoon- damaged agricultural products of farmers in Region 2.

He said that the DA has allotted P49 million for a quick response which will be complemented by the local government units.

He added that those farmers whose crops were totally damaged will be entitled to full subsidy of seeds, while those with partially damaged crops can avail half of the subsidy. He further said that he will talk to support institutions to offer ‘plant now pay later plan’ to help farmers avail fertilizers.