Nueva Ecija - The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is collaborating with Kiwanis International to foster interest in agriculture among young people. This partnership aims to establish a campsite at the FutureRice Farm in Nueva Ecija to attract the youth to farming.
According to Philippines News Agency, Glenda Hufano, governor of Kiwanis International-Philippine Luzon District, highlighted the project's objective to educate children about rice farming and to inspire them to become progressive, entrepreneurial food producers.
The campsite will offer a blend of educational and recreational activities, including farm adventure games, learning about rice technologies, and exposure to farm automation and diversified farming. This initiative addresses the concern of an aging farmer population, which poses a threat to food security. Hufano cited data indicating that the average age of Filipino farmers ranges between 55 and 59 years, warning of a potential critical decline in the farming population in the next decade. The partnership also includes co-sponsoring the annual ceremonial harvesting at the Rice Garden in Rizal Park, designed to educate urban dwellers, particularly the youth, about the significance of rice. This collaboration builds on previous efforts between Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District and PhilRice in supporting farming communities.