DA pushes BROWN campaign

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1471447750430/da-pushes-brown-campaign
• Tuesday, November 17, 2015

By Jorie C. Valcorza (JCV/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 17 (PIA) – As November is declared the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the Department of Agriculture (DA) drums up the Be RICEponsible in your Own Way Now (BROWN) campaign.

This is in support to the country’s effort to attain rice sufficiency, improve farmers’ income, and promote better health among rice consumers.As the name suggests, DA urged the people to opt for brown rice, as it is a healthier choice.

Regional Director Lealyn A. Ramos clarified that brown rice is not a variety and that every rice variety can qualify for it as long as it is processed removing only the outermost layer, the hull, of the rice kernel to be able to retain its nutritional value.

She said that complete milling of the palay converts it from brown to white polished rice which is often sold in the markets today.

DA said the brown or unpolished rice is nutritionally superior in terms of protein, B1, B2 and B9 vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants.

They also encourage people to try other staples like banana, potato, cassava, corn, tuber crops, adlai, and sweet potato or mixed these with rice to get more nutrition.

Talking of being RICEponsible, Ramos also called on policy makers to create an ordinance requiring the serving of half cup of rice and making it the default serving for plated meals, like what has been done here in the city.