The buying price of freshly harvested palay has increased slightly in Pangasinan, but farmers say the gains are not enough to ensure profit.

From P9–P10 per kilo, the rate has gone up to P11–P13, according to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG). Dry palay fetches P14–P15 per kilo, while millers offer P16–P17 per kilo.

The increase came after the Department of Agriculture (DA) proposed to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in early August 2025 to raise tariffs on imported rice.

But Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of SINAG, warned the effect may not last.

“Ngayon, hindi pa i-implement ang increase ng taripa so ang reaction ay hindi na attractive ang pagtaas sa [presyo ng palay],” he said.

Farmers said the P2–P3 increase per kilo only allows them to break even. Their income barely covers the cost of production.

“Mahihirap kasi kapag palay na ibenta namin, mapili ang mga trader. Kaya bigas na lang, kahit papaano may kaunting kita,” Benjamin Dela Cruz, a farmer, said.

Dela Cruz added that some opt to mill their harvest and sell rice directly in the market. By doing so, they can earn an additional P3 per kilo.

Farmers hope that if the government implements the proposed tariff hike on imported rice seriously, it could provide real relief to local producers.