DA mulls extension of rice import ban

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for the extension of the rice import moratorium due to the recovery of farmgate palay prices, citing preliminary data that have shown wet palay prices have climbed in recent weeks following the measure.

- By ALDEN MONZON

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday he is leaning toward recommending an extension of the rice import moratorium for at least 15 days, drawing some support from industry groups who see the move as beneficial for farmers.

“Pending data validation, I am now inclined to recommend that the President extend the ban for at least 15 to 30 days,” Tiu Laurel said.

“Before the import ban, prices were around P8 to P10 per kilo. We are now seeing P17 per kilo in some areas of Mindanao,” he said.