AFA conducts Asian Rice Forum
By Jet Hermida on Sep 15, 2004 in AFA, AsiaDHRRA Programs, Farmers' Exchanges, Sustainable Agriculture
Thirty two farmers and NGO leaders from ten Asian countries belonging to AsiaDHRRA and AFA (Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Development) attended the “Asian Forum on Rice: Promoting Sustainable Rice, Upholding the Interests of Small Rice Farmers”, held from August 9-18. The event is part of AFA’s and AsiaDHRRA’s joint Sustainable Rice Campaign, in celebration of the International Year of Rice. It was hosted by PAKISAMA, an AFA member.
A joint declaration calling Asian governments to take agriculture out of WTO talks, ensure self-sufficiency in rice and actively promote the production, processing, marketing and consumption of organic rice was made. The participants also committed that their organizations will continue and expand production, processing and marketing of organic rice as well as conduct advocacy and campaign activities to make their governments listen to their calls.
A field visit to farms using the Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI) in Naic town, Cavite province was held. The discussions highlighted the cooperation between farmers’ groups and the provincial and town government units in the promotion of organic rice using SRI.
A field visit at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos town in Laguna province was also conducted. Participants were met by Dr. William Padolina, Deputy Director General for Partnerships. Dr. Roland Buresh discussed IRRI’s program and technologies on sustainable rice production. The visit was capped with a tour of the Rice World Museum and Learning Center.
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