rice

Philippine rice output faces a potential 30% collapse, with estimates suggesting a reduction of 700,000 tonnes due to the strengthening 'super' El Niño phenomenon. This is causing significant concern among farmers, particularly in central Luzon, who are witnessing their crops at risk as dams dry up. The situation evokes memories of the severe drought experienced in 1997-98. The impact extends beyond agricultural yields, as evidenced by rising food costs. For instance, a farmer in Iloilo noted a 20% increase in the price of rice on his neighbors' tables, alongside doubled diesel costs and evaporated profit margins. This highlights the current relevance of rice production to food security and economic stability in the Philippines and potentially the wider ASEAN region, where such agricultural disruptions can have cascading effects on livelihoods and the cost of essential goods.