A Department of Agriculture (DA) representative stated on Thursday that despite ensuring ample supply, rice importation remains essential.
Agriculture Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla explained that this extra supply would serve to bolster the country’s inventory reserves for unexpected situations.
“Indeed supply is available and sufficient but we need to have additional for inventory stocks for unforeseen events and prepare for El Niño in case this advances to affect the dry season rice production,” Sombilla told GMA News Online.
“[Please] note all imports are going to be done by private sector and imports to arrive before the wet season harvesting,” she added.
The DA previously advocated for the importation of 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from November 2023 to January 2024 to secure rice supply during the El Niño phenomenon.
Sombilla noted that due to the El Niño, approximately 200,000 hectares of rice fields might remain uncultivated, leading to a loss of around 500,000 MT of rice production.
This stance contrasts with the statement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Agriculture chief, who assured that there will be sufficient rice stock even after the El Niño next year.
When inquired about the importation, Secretary Cheloy Garafil of the Presidential Communications Office referred to an earlier statement made by DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban. Panganiban’s statement indicated that the importation aims to secure better terms for an additional 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice for this year.
Rice importation may still be needed despite enough supply – DA
Panganiban had previously mentioned that the importation would contribute to price reduction and further enhance the national inventory, which is projected to last for 52 to 57 days by the close of 2023, even without importation.
Sombilla also proposed that the private sector should import 300,000 MT by the conclusion of August and an additional 300,000 MT by the first or second week of September, considering the upcoming harvest season in October.
Previously, Panganiban revealed that the Philippines initiated discussions with Vietnam and India regarding the importation of several hundred thousand metric tons of rice. This move is aimed at boosting supply and reducing prices.
As negotiations persist, Panganiban shared that due to ongoing discussions, certain Vietnamese exporters have presented quotes to our private traders that are $30-$40 lower than those discussed during our prior meeting at Malacañang.
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