DA assures stable rice supply, prices despite lean months

The Department of Agriculture (DA) assured Filipinos of a stable rice supply and retail prices despite approaching lean months.

Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that due to a good harvest season, consumers can expect prevailing prices around PHP45 per kg for different rice varieties.

As of May 26, imported premium and well-milled rice in Metro Manila is priced at PHP45/kg, while imported regular-milled rice costs PHP38/kg.

De Mesa expressed confidence in hitting the year's target local production of 20.4 million metric tons barring any major weather disturbances.

The DA noted a decrease in import arrivals compared to last year, with only 1.7 million MT recorded as of May 22, due to better local palay production.

Despite this, the USDA projects that rice imports could hit a record high of 5.4 million MT this year, which would exceed the previous record of 4.8 million MT in 2024.

De Mesa said the agency was 'a little surprised' by this projection and emphasized that normal rainfall patterns are expected without disruption from El Niño or La Niña.