By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Amid the El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Spokesperson Arnel De Mesa has assured the public that there would be a sufficient supply of rice, pointing out that there is “a healthy stock and inventory” of rice this year.
De Mesa said the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has reported the country received more than 600,000 metric tons of imported rice for the first two months of 2024.
“On an average that’s about 300,000 metric tons which is at par doon sa expected natin na 300,000 metric tons per month na darating na bigas na imported. Iyong ating production last year na 20.06 million metric tons plus itong ating mga imports, and we are expecting na magpi-peak iyong harvest natin ng palay nagsisimula na ngayon by March and April,” the DA Assistant Secretary said.
“So, in terms of supply wala po tayong problema we have a very healthy stocks and inventory of rice para po ngayong taon na ito,” he added.
De Mesa added the DA continues to monitor the damages and effects of El Niño across the country.
(el Amigo/MNM)
