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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for the extension of the rice import moratorium due to the recovery of farmgate palay prices, citing preliminary data that have shown wet palay prices have climbed in recent weeks following the measure.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday he is leaning toward recommending an extension of the rice import moratorium for at least 15 days, drawing some support from industry groups who see the move as beneficial for farmers.

“Pending data validation, I am now inclined to recommend that the President extend the ban for at least 15 to 30 days,” Tiu Laurel said.

“Before the import ban, prices were around P8 to P10 per kilo. We are now seeing P17 per kilo in some areas of Mindanao,” he said.

According to the DA, palay prices in provinces like Isabela and Nueva Ecija have risen to P13 to P14 per kilo, marking an improvement even though they remain below profitability for most farmers.

The cost of producing a kilo of palay averages around P14, dropping to P12 for the most efficient producers.

The agency said that the volume of imported rice heavily influences local prices, which prompted the initial suspension.

Sought for comment, United Broiler Raisers’ Association president Elias Jose told The STAR that the freeze would help farmers, adding that complementary measures should be implemented to support the initiative.

“An extension of the suspension will help. In the meantime, while so suspended, a system of flexible tariffs based on transaction values and international prices should be studied,” Jose said in a Viber message.

“Plus, it is about time that the trigger prices for special safeguard duties under Section 10 of the Rice Tariffication Law should be established. Likewise, an increase in funding for price support should be legislated,” Jose said. 

Tiu Laurel is scheduled to meet with Senate agriculture committee chair Sen. Francis Pangilinan, House committee on agriculture chairman Mark Enverga and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III to finalize proposed amendments before submitting them to President Marcos who has identified the bill as a legislative priority.

Federation of Free Farmers national manager Raul Montemayor also cautiously welcomed the proposal but stressed that supply should be kept under watch.

Source : msn