After experiencing a decline in local production due to the combined effects of the El Niño phenomenon, successive typhoons, and the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday expressed optimism on the recovery of local palay output this year.

“Ang (the) projection is we’ll go back to the 20 million metric tons (MMT) level ng (of) local rice production,” DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa said in an interview.

A robust local production will also result in a lower volume of rice imports, he said.

“We’re still hoping na magiging maganda yung production natin. At kung maganda iyon (that our production will be good. And if it’s good), of course, that will correspondingly reduce the volume of imports later on,” De Mesa said.

As of Dec. 31, 2024, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) logged a historic high of 4.68 MMT of rice import arrivals.

De Mesa, however, underscored the prioritization of boosting local production with the amended Rice Tariffication Law in place, alongside other support programs for local rice farmers.

“Ang pinaka-focus namin ay ang lokal na produksyon. Iyong importation kasi (Our main focus is the local production. Because the importation), that’s entirely out of the government’s hand. It’s a business decision ng ating mga importers at saka na traders (of our importers and traders),” he said.

Based on the amended RTL, which is extended until 2031, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) has tripled to PHP30 billion from the previous PHP10 billion from duties collected on imported rice.

Of the said fund, PHP15 billion will be allocated for the extension and training programs, rice farmers financial assistance, credit, soil improvement, solar-powered irrigation systems, and water impounding projects; PHP9 billion for farm mechanization; and PHP6 billion for the provision of high-quality rice seeds.

Earlier, the DA announced the launch of a “full-blown” scale Agri-puhunan at Pangtawid program to benefit 100,000 farmers in February.

The said program will serve as a funding mechanism with insurance alongside contract farming for farmers. (PNA)