The Department of Agriculture is intensifying market interventions as palay prices weaken in several major rice-producing provinces, with the main harvest season nearing completion. About 77 percent of the national harvest is already in. The National Food Authority is raising its buying price to counter the decline.
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture reported fresh palay prices slipping to P16 to P17 per kilo in isolated areas of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Isabela, and Cagayan. The downturn is localized, as farmgate prices in places like Palawan remain at P23 to P24 per kilo, indicating pressure rather than a nationwide collapse.
The National Food Authority has raised its buying price for dry palay to as much as P30 per kilo and will intensify procurement in affected areas. It is also introducing a direct purchase order system for farmers to sell before harvest. To address logistical bottlenecks like truck shortages, the NFA plans to procure 150 additional trucks this year.
DA chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that rice imports remain necessary but must be managed carefully to avoid depressing local prices further. Earlier import controls ensured about 70 percent of the harvest sold at favorable levels. The DA is considering limits on monthly rice imports from June to August.
