DA plans to lower imported rice MSRP to P49 by March

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to gradually reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice over the next few weeks.

Starting at P58 per kilo on January 20, the MSRP will be lowered to P55 by February 1 and further reduced to P52 by February 15.

By March 1, the DA aims to set the MSRP at P49 per kilo, contingent on world prices staying around USD530 to USD550 per metric ton for 7% broken rice.

The DA is also considering declaring a food security emergency and distributing National Food Authority (NFA) stocks nationwide to address high retail prices.

Additionally, the DA aims to roll out cheaper Kadiwa rice at supermarkets and convenience stores by February 15 or March 1.