Manila Reports Adequate Rice Supply Until Next Harvest, Assures Department of Agriculture

MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced a promising outlook for the Philippines’ rice supply, anticipating sufficient stock to last through the next harvest season. This comes as a reassuring update amidst concerns over food security.

According to Philippines News Agency, the country is expected to have around 85 to 90 days’ worth of national rice stock inventory by the end of December. This stockpile, bolstered by additional rice sourced internationally, is projected to sustain the nation until the next harvest season, which typically occurs in March or April. De Mesa conveyed this information during the Saturday News Forum held in Quezon City. He also mentioned the contribution of imported rice, facilitated by the country’s liberalized importation system. “Based on historical data, there will be additional imports during the first quarter,” he added.

De Mesa noted that the DA anticipates the arrival of at least 20 million metric tons (MT) of rice by the year’s end. The current imports as of November have reached 3.03 million MT, which is slightly lower compared to last year’s 3.5 million MT for the same period. “Last year the total was 3.8 [MT]. We’re expecting around 3.2, 3.3 million metric tons this year, excluding the Indian rice. So, there will be a slight difference, but our production remains stable,” De Mesa explained.

The DA is currently awaiting the delivery of 95,000 MT of Indian rice, which is part of the 295,000 MT secured by the government. Further deliveries of rice are expected to arrive in January, adding to the national stockpile and ensuring food security for the coming months.