Rice importation will continue — Agriculture chief Dar

Agriculture Secretary William Dar clarified on Thursday that rice importation will continue under the Rice Tariffication Law.

President Rodrigo Duterte has twice said that he will stop rice importation during harvest seasons in the country to protect local farmers.

On Wednesday night, Dar met with the President, along with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez for about 30 minutes.

At a press conference on Thursday, Dar clarified that “hindi naman pinapa-stop. We are implementing the law properly.”

He said the continued rice importation is meant to ensure that the country has an adequate supply of rice.

Dar reported that by the end of 2019, domestic palay production is projected to reach 18.48 million metric tons, equivalent to 12.09 million metric tons of milled rice.

This is only 85% of the 14.24 million metric tons that the country needs per year.

The rest of the country’s requirements will be addressed through importation.

Dar said import volume is projected at 3.72 million metric tons or 26% of the country’s total requirement.

“By the end of the year, mataas po ang inventory natin,” Dar said.

To protect local farmers, the DA will implement stricter guidelines in issuing sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances, especially during harvest seasons.

When this was done in October, rice importation reached 85,000 metric tons, less than the 250,000 metric tons imported from March to September.

Dar said the Bureau of Plant Indusrtry will “conduct pre-inspection at the point of origin of imported rice stock to ensure rice quality and safety for consumers and at the same time, protect the spread of crop pests and diseases.”

Duterte had also directed the National Food Authority to increase the country’s emergency buffer stock from 15 days to 30 days by buying more palay from farmers.

The NFA was also directed to sell at least 20,000 bags of rice per day. One bag is equivalent to 50 kilos.

The unconditional cash transfer for farmers tilling half a hectare up to two hectares of rice lands will also be extended from one year to two years.

P3 billion has been allocated for this per year and will benefit 600,000 farmers. — RSJ, GMA News