Ample Rice Supply Assured

The country has an ample supply of rice despite the ongoing El Niño phenomenon affecting local production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured.

There is "a healthy stock and inventory" of rice for this year, with rice imports complementing local production. I Photo: Department of Agriculture Philippines

During a news forum, DA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa stated that there is "a healthy stock and inventory" of rice for this year, with rice imports complementing local production.

De Mesa mentioned that the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) reported the country received more than 600,000 metric tons of imported rice for the first two months of 2024.

“On average, that’s about 300,000 metric tons, which is in line with our expected 300,000 metric tons per month of imported rice. Our production last year was 20.06 million metric tons, and with these imports, we are expecting our rice harvest to peak starting from March and April,” he said.

“So, in terms of supply, we have no issues. We have a very healthy stock and inventory of rice for this year,” he added.

De Mesa also mentioned that the DA continues to monitor the damages and effects of El Niño across the country.

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