Kamatis, nasa P400/kg pa rin ang presyo sa ilang pamilihan; maraming magsasaka, hindi... | Saksi

Summary

The Department of Agriculture plans to implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice by the end of January 2025, aiming to prevent profiteering amid rising prices. The surge in tomato prices is attributed to typhoon damage, which has led to reduced harvests, especially in Nueva Ecija, causing wholesale prices to spike. Other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions have also seen price increases due to similar weather impacts. However, prices are expected to stabilize by February as crop production recovers. The government is working to balance the interests of consumers, retailers, and farmers in regulating prices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Department of Agriculture plans to implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice by the end of January to prevent profiteering.
• 😀 The price of tomatoes continues to soar, reaching Php 400 per kilo in some markets due to a shortage in supply caused by last year's typhoons.
• 😀 Farmers in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija are closely monitoring their tomato crops, which were severely damaged by consecutive typhoons, and are now attempting to recover their production.
• 😀 Many farmers have stopped planting tomatoes due to high costs and crop destruction caused by the previous year's floods and storms.
• 😀 The wholesale price of tomatoes in certain markets is between Php 170 and Php 180 per kilo, contributing to the increase in retail prices.
• 😀 Retail prices of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and onions have also risen due to the extensive damage caused by typhoons, especially in Regions 2, 5, and 4A.
• 😀 The Department of Agriculture expects prices of tomatoes and other vegetables to normalize by the end of January or early February as production recovers.
• 😀 Tomato harvests in Nueva Ecija are expected to peak in April and May, which could help stabilize prices in the coming months.
• 😀 The imported rice supply in markets is also seeing higher prices, as retailers are paying higher costs for imported rice.
• 😀 The Department of Agriculture aims to enforce an MSRP for imported rice, making it illegal for imported rice to exceed the set price to avoid exploitation.

Q & A

What is the Department of Agriculture's plan regarding the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice?

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice by the end of January. This measure aims to prevent profiteering in the market.

Why has the price of tomatoes significantly increased?

The price of tomatoes has risen due to reduced supply caused by the aftermath of several typhoons last year, which severely damaged the crops, particularly in Nueva Ecija, where the bulk of tomatoes are grown.

How are tomato farmers in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija coping with the challenges?

Tomato farmers in Bongabon have been working hard to rehabilitate their crops, using fertilizers and pesticides to restore their yield. They face the challenge of rebuilding from the damage caused by the typhoons.

What is the impact of recent natural disasters on the farming community?

The typhoons that affected last year's planting season have led many farmers to abandon farming, as the cost of restarting their operations is high. Those who continued have to invest more in order to recover from the damage.

What price are tomatoes being sold at in some markets?

In some markets, particularly in places like Marikina and Tandang Sora, the price of tomatoes has reached up to Php 400 per kilo. In other regions, it ranges from Php 170 to Php 180 per kilo.

What other vegetables have experienced price hikes following the typhoons?

In addition to tomatoes, vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and onions have also seen significant price increases due to the extensive damage caused by last year's typhoons.

When do experts expect the price of tomatoes to return to normal?

The price of tomatoes and other vegetables is expected to normalize by the end of January or early February, as production continues to increase and the supply recovers.

Why has the price of imported rice remained high in the Kamuning market?

The high price of imported rice in Kamuning market is attributed to the retailers purchasing the rice at higher prices, which prevents them from lowering the selling price.

What are the actions being taken regarding imported rice prices?

The Department of Agriculture intends to implement an MSRP for imported rice to control price hikes and address potential profiteering by retailers. They will engage with rice importers, retailers, and other agencies to establish the price regulations.

What responsibility will be enforced if the maximum retail price for imported rice is violated?

The Department of Agriculture will work with relevant stakeholders to determine the responsibilities and penalties for violators who fail to comply with the MSRP set for imported rice.