Supply ng bigas sa Pilipinas, tataas sa mga susunod na buwan | 24 Oras Weekend

Summary

The report discusses the current state of rice prices in the Philippines, which range from ₱41 to ₱48 per kilo depending on the type. Due to favorable harvests, rice prices have slightly dropped below the government-imposed price ceiling. However, the looming threat of El Niño could affect rice supply, with an estimated 260,000 hectares of crops at risk. Despite imports and a strong local harvest, experts urge caution, warning against overly optimistic projections of price drops and emphasizing the need to balance imports with local production support.

Takeaways

• 📉 The supply of rice is expected to stabilize in the coming weeks, but caution is still advised.
• ⚠️ A former agriculture secretary warns against being overly optimistic about the rice supply situation.
• 🌾 The Department of Agriculture reports that the price of regular milled rice ranges from PHP 41 to PHP 44 per kilogram, while well-milled rice is between PHP 45 and PHP 48.
• 📅 Due to a good harvest, the current prices are lower compared to the price ceiling set last month.
• 📦 The Philippines aims for a rice buffer stock of 60 to 90 days to ensure stability, with a potential to reach 94 days by November.
• 🚢 The country has received 271 metric tons of imported rice, with more expected to arrive before the end of the year.
• 💬 The chairman of the Federation of Free Farmers, Leonardo Montemayor, urges caution, suggesting that price expectations should remain conservative.
• 🇵🇭 The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food emphasizes the need for cautious rice importation to avoid discouraging local production.
• 🌞 The National Irrigation Administration warns that about 260,000 hectares of farmlands could be affected by El Niño in various regions, including Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Western Visayas.
• 🤝 The Department of Agriculture is assisting farmers with seeds and support to mitigate the effects of El Niño on rice production.

Q & A

What is the current price range of regular milled rice in the Philippines?

The current price range of regular milled rice is between 41 to 44 PHP per kilogram.

Why is there an expected decline in rice prices according to the script?

Rice prices are expected to decline due to a good harvest from farmers, which has resulted in lower prices than the government-mandated price ceiling.

What is the recommended buffer stock for stable rice supply in the Philippines?

The recommended buffer stock for a stable rice supply is 60 to 90 days.

What is the projected national rice stock inventory after the wet season harvest?

After the wet season harvest, the national rice stock inventory is expected to reach 77 days, and by November, it may go up to 94 days.

How much imported rice has already arrived, and how much more is expected to arrive by the end of the year?

So far, 271 metric tons of imported rice have arrived, with more expected to arrive by the end of the year.

What concern does former Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor express about current rice supply projections?

Leonardo Montemayor warns that officials should avoid creating overly optimistic expectations about rice prices dropping significantly, as the situation might not be as rosy as portrayed.

What does the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Incorporated caution regarding rice imports?

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Incorporated warns that encouraging rice imports could discourage local rice production.

How many hectares of farmland could be affected by the El Niño phenomenon?

The National Irrigation Administration estimates that around 260,000 hectares of farmland could be affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

Which regions in the Philippines are most likely to be affected by El Niño?

Regions that may be affected by El Niño include Ilocos, Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen.

What measures are being taken to help farmers affected by the El Niño phenomenon?

The National Irrigation Administration, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, is providing seeds to help farmers cope with the El Niño phenomenon.