DA hopeful in hitting 20-million MT palay output target

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is committed to its goal of producing 20.44 million metric tons of palay this year despite the impact of El Nino. 

In a statement, Agriculture Undersecretary Chris Morales said that they are optimistic about achieving this target, especially with the support of private organizations. 

Last year, palay harvest reached a record high of 20.06 million metric tons due to government interventions, funded primarily by tariffs on imported rice. 

The Rice Tariffication Law allocated P10 billion through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to mechanize rice farming, provide good seeds, and impart farming technologies to farmers. 

Additionally, initiatives such as the provision of hybrid rice seeds and the contract growing program are also contributing to increased palay output. 

While aiming for self-sufficiency in rice, the sufficiency level is influenced by population growth and additional rice demand from foreign tourists. 

Morales said that the rice supply situation remains manageable, thanks to continuous private sector importation to supplement domestic production.