The Philippines needs rice — but young people don’t want to farm it

The Philippines, a country with a population of over 109 million people, is facing a critical issue that threatens its food security: a dwindling number of young farmers willing to till the land and grow rice, the staple food of the nation. Despite being one of the world’s largest rice producers, the Philippines is struggling to encourage its youth to take up farming, leading to concerns about the future of the country’s rice supply.

Rice is an integral part of Filipino culture and cuisine, with the average Filipino consuming around 30 kilograms of rice per year. The country’s rice production has been steadily increasing over the years, but the number of young farmers has been declining at an alarming rate. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average age of farmers in the country is 57 years old, with only 12% of farmers below the age of 30.

There are several reasons why young people are shying away from farming. One major factor is the perception that farming is a low-paying and labor-intensive job. Many young Filipinos see farming as a “poor man’s job” and prefer to pursue careers in urban areas, such as business, technology, or healthcare, which offer better pay and working conditions.

Another reason is the lack of modernization in the agricultural sector. Farming in the Philippines is often associated with traditional and manual methods, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. The use of technology, such as precision farming and mechanization, is limited, making farming less appealing to young people who are accustomed to using technology in their daily lives.

Furthermore, the Philippines’ agricultural sector is also plagued by issues such as land fragmentation, inadequate irrigation systems, and limited access to credit and markets. These challenges make it difficult for young farmers to start and sustain their own farms, leading many to opt for other careers.

The consequences of this trend are far-reaching. With fewer young farmers, the Philippines’ rice production is at risk of declining, leading to food insecurity and reliance on imports. The country is already importing around 10% of its rice requirements, and this number is expected to increase if the trend continues.

To address this issue, the Philippine government has launched initiatives to attract young people to farming. These include programs such as the “Young Farmers Program” which provides training, credit, and marketing assistance to young farmers. The government has also established agricultural schools and training centers to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to modernize farming practices.

Private organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also playing a crucial role in promoting agriculture among young people. For example, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has launched a program to promote rice farming among young people, providing them with training and resources to start their own rice farms.

In addition, there are also efforts to make farming more appealing to young people by highlighting its potential as a lucrative and fulfilling career. For instance, some farmers are now using social media to showcase their farming experiences and promote the benefits of farming, such as the opportunity to work outdoors and contribute to food security.

In conclusion, the Philippines needs rice, but it also needs young people to farm it. The country’s food security depends on it. To address this issue, the government, private organizations, and NGOs must work together to promote agriculture among young people, provide them with the necessary skills and resources, and make farming a more attractive and fulfilling career. Only then can the Philippines ensure a stable and sustainable rice supply for generations to come.