New strategy to cut wheat dependence

Manila: Vegetable-based flour will be mass produced in a bid to lessen the country's dependence on imported wheat, a top official said.

President Gloria Arroyo had ordered the purchase of equipment needed for the initiative, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza announced during a meeting.

Officials propose to utilise crops like squash and cassava to provide an alternative to wheat flour.

"We can produce flour out of indigenous materials and mix it with [wheat] flour," said Cerge Remonde, the chief of the Presidential Management Staff.