Rice experts have given thumbs up to the Philippine Department of Agriculture's efforts to boost rice production this year with a projected overall farm output growth of 4.5%-5.5%

According to Rolando Dy, executive director of the Center for Food and Agribusiness at the University of Asia and the Pacific, if Philippines keep its focus on rice production and implements its productivity enhancement program as planned then the target growth of 4-5% was quite attainable.

Rice accounts for around 18% of the total farm output of Philippines, which contributes to a fifth of the country's gross domestic product.