What does it take to be an agronomist and what lies ahead of him or her?
By Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, Past President, Visayas State University Here are important figures to us: · a) In 2017, the total paddy rice output of the Philippines met 93% of the country's annual requirement. The population consumed 11.7 million tons of rice. (usual shortage of 10% and brown rice/rice bran solution). · b) In 2016, for every 17 births per 1000 population there were 6 deaths per 1000 population. Every minute, 2.8 Filipinos are born. Every 10 or 11 minutes, we need one new classroom and down the road each of these kids will consume 120 kg of rice per year. (why is Philippine presidency such a contested and contentious position?) (“ang ginoo pito ra kaadlaw nagbuhat ug yuta pero ang tawo walay hunong himo ug bata” -Gov. RE Lerias) · c) All of the scenarios of future climate change (CC) point to increase the estimates of the number of people at risk from hunger. (ascri...