Let’s be ready! China Drought Effects On Phil. Food Security

China, with a population of almost 1.5-billion, is facing its worst drought in 60 years, threatening its grains crop production and other agricultural products.
Philippine Food Security Planners should keep a close watch at this development as this would have both risks and opportunities for the country.
Risks:
The Philippines is closely behind China as the biggest importer of rice from such countries as Vietnam, India and others.
A rice crop failure in China would mean greater demand for rice from exporting countries and this could lead to a shoot up in the world prices.
Are we ready to outbid China? Would this result in higher prices of imported rice in the country?
Opportunities:
A serious drought that would affect China’s agricultural production would mean greater dependence on supplies from neighboring countries.
Our Agricultural Monitors should be able to determine what these crops are and if we could produce them in the country, make arrangements this early with China’s agriculture officials for a supply agreement.
World Food Supply and Prices are volatile that we need constant monitoring and quick reaction.
Remember that old Pilipino adage? “Daig ng maagap ang magaling!”
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!