Rice prices remain stable in local markets despite the ongoing import ban, but farmgate prices may rise if the restriction continues until December, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said farmgate prices of palay currently range from P14 to P17 per kilo, with some areas reporting up to P20 per kilo depending on location.
“If the import ban extends through December, we expect farmgate prices to continue increasing,” De Mesa said in a Palace briefing.
“The production cost is around P13 to P14 per kilo, so the expected price for fresh palay is P17, while dry and clean palay could reach P21 to P23 per kilo,” he added.
Despite these increases at the farm level, retail prices of rice have remained steady, based on the DA’s latest monitoring. Premium rice stays at P50 per kilo, regular rice at P38, and well-milled rice at P40.
“These figures show that rice prices remain stable despite the import ban, which indicates a positive outcome for the local market,” De Mesa said.
He also clarified that the executive order (EO) extending the rice importation ban until December is expected to be released soon.
“We were informed that the EO will be issued eventually,” he said, responding to questions about its status.
De Mesa explained that the DA is planning the importation schedule around the country’s planting calendar. The next “lean months,” or periods of low harvest, are from mid-January to mid-February for the dry season.
“During these months, we will need to allow imports to ensure stable supply,” he said. “That’s why the current ban is only until December.”
De Mesa added that while there is a possibility of extending the import ban if harvests remain strong, the DA’s main priority is to keep supply and prices steady nationwide.
