DA in talks with Pakistan, India for import of 2 million metric tons of rice

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday that envoys discussions are ongoing with envoys from Pakistan and India on securing commitments to supply the Philippines with a combined two million metric tons (MT) of rice.

Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel said that he had met with the Pakistani Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi to finalize an agreement wherein Pakistan would allocate up to one million MT of rice annually to the Philippines.

A similar deal is being discussed with Indian Ambassador Shri Harsh Kumar Jain.

“The intention is to create a level playing field among our rice supplying nations,” said Laurel in a statement. “We want them to compete for our market.”

Vietnam, which is currently the country’s top rice supplier, earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines for a five-year trade commitment to supply white rice to the private sector, amounting to 1.5 million to 2 million MT per year at a competitive and affordable price.

“Secretary Tiu Laurel said intercity rice traders have pledged to begin selling rice at P40 per kilo through the 'KADIWA ng Pangulo' program, helping the DA achieve its target of expanding KADIWA kiosks selling affordable rice in public markets and public transport stations to 300 locations by mid-January,” said the DA.

In December last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 50 extending the temporary modification of rates of import duty on rice, corn and meat products until December 2024 to ensure affordable prices of basic goods. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News