The rice shortage in the Philippines is alarming. I am not sure though if the newsfeeds I am seeing in ABS CBN are hyped or not. I understand that the huge problems of daily nutrition is worldwide. But what about the Philippine government’s contingency planning on these? President Arroyo’s pictures and statements are now in Business 24/7 (one of the leading business broadsheets in UAE). She announced two rice tenders and pledged to track down on hoarding. Anyone found guilty of “stealing rice from the people will be jailed”, she said.
Source: US Department of Agriculture, Graphic: Reuters
Philippines is (or was?) primarily an agricultural country and it is a hard truth that as of today, it is the top (number 1) importer of rice, Japan as number 13. If Japan obviously regained itself after the World War 2 (not limiting to the agricultural issues), we can, too.
Related Post:
Why a rice shortage in the Philippines?
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