Opportunities for value addition and market linkage for Kalinga heirloom rice using Rapid Value Chain analysis

With the aid of Sustainable Food Value Chain Analysis (SVCA), the study sought for other market potentials and opportunities for value addition and market linkages of Kalinga heirloom rice. A brief production cost analysis was conducted to determine the costs incurred as the product moves from conception until it reaches the final consumers. A value chain map was also illustrated where actors, their functions and activities in the different stages of the chain were identified. Likewise, the end markets, business enabling environment, vertical and horizontal linkages, major constraints as well as opportunities for upgrading were also recognized. Because of the nature of traditional rice farming which is labor intensive, the production cost on the part of the farmers is excessive and the period for cultivating even small areas of farm became more extensive. Finally, replacement of the traditional farming methods with mechanized farming by providing pre-harvest and post-harvest facilities, organizing farmers’ field school, provision of village-type customized rice mill and processing center, rehabilitation of communal irrigation systems and restoration of damaged terraces and conduct of trainings on processing of heirloom rice were recommended.