Download Basic Information Title: Production and Promotion of Brown Rice

I.
Basic Information
Title:
Production and Promotion of Brown Rice Fortified with Iron as Standard
Staple for Mass Consumption
Proponent:
Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
Project Duration:
3-year development plan
Project Location:
OPAg-FAES Demonstration Farm
Brgy. Callios, Sta. Cruz, Laguna
Total Project Cost:
Budget Requested:
Proponent Counterpart:
Other Sources:
II.
Project Description
Rationale:
The province of Laguna produce ___MT of rice last year. The province is producing more rice
annually as shown in the provincial data for the past 5 years( ). Consequently, the population has
increased by an average of ___% for the same period. Thus, rice sufficiency level significantly decline.
Clearly, the harvest cannot cope with the requirements of the population that continuously increase
complemented with the decrease of agricultural areas due to land conversion and industrialization.
Brown rice can considerably reduce if not minimize the rice importation.
According to the studies of the Asia Rice Foundation (ARF), a non-profit, non-stock organization
chaired by Dr. Emil Q. Javier, milling recovery of unpolished rice (brown rice) is 75% whereas polished or
white rice at 65%. See table below;
Rice Production (MT)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Polished (65% Unpolished/Brown
recovery) MT
(75%
recovery)
MT
It can also be noted that, of the final recovery, 10% goes to waste, seed requirements and for
industrial uses. An average of __ MT could have been saved for consumption of the __M Lagunenses.
Brown rice is unpolished whole grain rice that is produced by removing only the hull or husk.
The bran is not removed giving the brown color to the grain. Unknown to many, the bran layer is a good
source of dietary fiber, magnesium, lysine and protein according to the studies of the Rice Chemistry
and Food Science Division of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). It is more nutritious than
white rice because when polished, 68-90% of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamine are
removed. Protein content is reduced by 15% when the bran layers are removed.
Protein and energy malnutrition may not be prevalent in the province but the incidence could
be reduced and addressed by introducing brown rice in the diet. Data from the Provincial Nutrition
Office showed that malnutrition is most prevalent in the 4th-5th class municipalities among children 3-6
year olds. Iron deficiency anemia is relatively high as well in growing children wherein, dietary intake is
insufficient and parasitic infections are prevalent at this stage and should be addressed. Brown rice has
high phytin which is a very strong antioxidant, but phytin reduces iron absorption in the body. To
complement the needs of growing children, nursing mothers and the aged population for the nutrient,
iron fortification of the brown rice is best.
Producing brown rice is actually cheaper. According to ARF, it requires 65% less energy to mill
brown rice and at 10% more recovery. To date, brown rice costs at about P30-P40 per kilo in retail
outlets, relatively higher than polished rice prices which can be attributed to the unsteady supply. As of
now, brown rice supply is confined primarily in Los Baños area, and Tiaong, Quezon.
Brown rice was regarded as the “poor-man’s rice” but is now highly south after because of its
rarity and high nutritional value. Modern-day consumers are finally growing aware of the virtues of
brown rice that private individuals and institutions are venturing in the business. Thus, in accordance to
the enterprising and income generating agricultural programs of the province, brown rice production
and promotion can literally be filling to both the stomach and economic status of the farmers.
Objectives:
The general objective of the project is to produce Brown Rice Fortified with Iron and promote it
as standard staple for mass consumption in the province of Laguna.
Specific Objecives:
1. To increase the rice sufficiency level of the province by__
2. To establish brown rice milling station in the province
3. To supplement feeding program of the Rural Improvement Club Federation of Laguna and
the Nutrition Office
4. To increase the awareness of the Lagunenses on the nutritional value of Brown Rice
5. To decrease by __% the incidence of malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia among
children
Expected Output:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Increased rice sufficiency level of the province
Brown Rice milling station in each district
Decreased incidence of malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia in Laguna
Increased consumption of brown rice among Lagunense
Minimal production cost of brown rice
Components and Activities