DA says rice supply sufficient, eyes P30-B support for farmers, fisherfolk

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured that the country has a sufficient supply of rice, while looking at an additional P30-billion in government support for farmers and fisherfolk given the continuous increase in farm input costs due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the country has a stable supply, with warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA) nearly full, and the current global rice availability as major exporters such as India and Vietnam in peak harvest season.

"If ever there will be a problem, it's not going to be this year," he said in a statement.

Tiu Laurel also denied claims that imported rice was being used for the administration's P20-per-kilo rice program, but hinted that this could be realized in the future should domestic rice production contract sharply.

"Totally not true," he said in the same statement, pointing to a 20% decline in the production of palay (unmilled rice) as the "worst-case scenario" if no interventions are made.

The DA said it is also eyeing additional support to the P10-billion assistance package for farmers and fisherfolk that it rolled out earlier.

"Estimates point to an additional P20 billion for farm inputs and P10 billion for fisherfolk assistance to strengthen production and livelihoods. These proposed measures aim not only to offset cost pressures but also to sustain output levels," it said.

Tiu Laurel earlier said fertilizer prices have already doubled to $800 per ton from $400 previously due to the ongoing crisis. The Philippines is in talks with India, Russia, and Belarus to secure fertilizer supply. — VDV, GMA News