DA assures enough rice supply despite halting importation

July 2, 2020

Agriculture Secretary William Dar assured on Thursday that there is sufficient rice supply in the country despite the recent decision of the government not to push through with its importation.

The official said that as of July, the country's rice supply could last for 82 days.

"Starting July of 2020, we have good (supply) for 82 days," he said in the "Laging Handa" virtual press briefing.

"Now, looking at the whole year supply and demand outlook, by the end of this year, we will have a low of 78 days and a high of 100 days to last. That's the rice inventory, so we have sufficient food," Dar explained.

The government, through the Philippine International Trading Center, initially planned to import 300,000 metric tons of rice supposedly to arrive during the lean months of July and August. Celerina Monte/DMS