The buying price of palay has begun to decline as farmers start harvesting their crops this March 2026, raising concerns among growers who fear the price could fall further in the coming weeks.

During the first week of March, the buying price of palay dropped by more than five pesos per kilogram, falling from around P25 to P26 per kilo to about P20 per kilo, according to farmers in Pangasinan.

“Bumaba na. Dati P28 pa nga… ngayon, P20 nalang.” Ali Dela Cruz, a farmer, said.

Farmers said they worry the price could dip even lower as the harvest season continues. Some said they may incur losses if the buying price falls to between P17 and P19 per kilogram.

“Kung i-compute mo ‘yung 50 kilos na palay tapos P6 mabawas, P300 din ‘yun eh kung [ang] sampung sako [ay] P3,000.” said farmer Julius Biala, explaining how lower prices could cut their earnings significantly.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the price decline is typical during harvest season when many farmers bring their produce to market at the same time.

With more supply of palay available, the increased volume naturally drives down buying prices, the group said.

However, SINAG said the current price level remains relatively stable compared with previous years when buying prices dropped as low as P10 per kilogram.

“Hopefully P19 to P20, ‘yun ang nakikita nating presyo talaga.” Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of SINAG, said.

Agriculture officials estimate that palay has been harvested in around 60 to 65 percent of the fields in Pangasinan. Farmers expect the remaining crops in the province to be harvested in the coming weeks.