DA denies rice importation caused plunge in palay prices

Department of Agriculture (DA) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes on Wednesday denied that the importation of rice triggered the plunge in palay prices in the country.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Reyes said the prices went down because of the high moisture content of grains, which are being bought at lower prices.

“Hindi. Ang presyo ng palay ay nade-determine ng supply and demand. Mababa 'yun dahil basa. Kapag nakikita mo 'yun kapag basa, hindi po nabibili masyado na mataas sa presyo,” he said.

“So P19 (per kilo) po kapag tuyong-tuyo. Siyempre po may P12, P13, P14 pero mataas din po 'yung iba na P16, P17 'yung tuyo,” Reyes added.

In September, Senator Ralph Recto urged the DA to investigate the concern of rice farmers that the price of a kilo of newly-harvested palay has gone down to P12

For Recto, the DA should look into how rice imports are affecting local prices and "pull the brakes" if needed.

On October 6, the DA discouraged importers from bringing in rice during the harvest season to help local farmers reeling from the continued drop in palay prices.

“Pinigilan po natin 'yan at nakiusap po si Secretary (William Dar) na huwag munang magparating lalong-lalo na sa harvest. 'Yan din ang utos ng Senate committee on agriculture and food ni Senator (Cynthia) Villar,” Reyes said.

“Although, tuloy-tuloy ang pag-issue ng permit ay huwag po sila magpasok ng imported rice tuwing anihan,” he added. —KG, GMA News