DA expects record rice imports this year

The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects a higher volume of rice imports this year compared to 2023, with importers potentially surpassing last year's record of 3.6 million metric tons.

Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa noted that as of September 26, the DA has recorded 3.195 million metric tons of imported rice, with most arrivals expected in the fourth quarter.

Despite El Niño impacting crops minimally, the DA aims to maintain a stable supply and may still meet its projected production loss range of 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons.

The DA reported PHP15.3 billion in agricultural damage affecting 333,195 farmers and fishers across 15 regions due to El Niño, weather disturbances, and La Niña.

Despite these challenges, the DA remains optimistic about hitting a rice production target of at least 20.4 million metric tons or matching last year's output of 20 million metric tons.