DA releases Sulit, Nutri Rice starting Jan

The Department of Agriculture plans to release two new rice varieties, Sulit Rice and Nutri Rice, as part of its 'Rice for All' initiative, with sales beginning in the second week of January.

Sulit Rice, priced at PHP35 to PHP36 per kilo, consists of 100 percent broken grains but maintains good quality, while Nutri Rice, sold for PHP37 to PHP38 per kilo, retains higher nutrient content as it is a one-pass milled variety.

The rollout began in the National Capital Region (NCR) and will expand to other parts of the country this year, with both varieties available at Kadiwa ng Pangulo Centers nationwide, selected public markets, and train stations in Metro Manila.

DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa assured that there is sufficient supply for both varieties from local and imported sources managed by the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI).

Rice watch group Bantay Bigas criticized these projects as deceptive moves to lower rice prices without addressing the root cause, urging the government to implement real solutions.

The DA also continues to offer Rice for All at PHP38 to PHP39 per kilo, with plans to sustain this initiative through increased palay production, aiming to reach 20 million metric tons this year.