Related News

Rice planting could be delayed in areas hit by El Niño, an agriculture official said on Monday.

This, following reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) of a delayed rainy season owing to the weather phenomenon.

“Doon sa mga areas na apektado ng El Niño posible talaga na magkaroon ng delays sa land preparations, sa land soaking [There may be possible delay in land preparations in areas affected by El Niño],” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesman Arnel de Mesa told reporters.

However, de Mesa stressed that planting in irrigated farmlands will be done as usual.

“Doon naman sa mga lugar na merong tamang patubig at hindi pa naman nagbabawas ng irrigation water doon sa ating mga major dams so tuloy-tuloy ang kanilang pag-prepare para sa susunod na taniman nitong darating na wet season [In areas with sufficient irrigation, there is continuous land preparation this incoming wet season for the next harvest],” he said.

De Mesa mentioned that among the areas that were less affected by the weather phenomenon are Central and Northern Luzon, parts of Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao.

Amid calls to extend Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), the DA official said amending the RTL will help planters cope with the ill effects of La Niña.

“Kapag La Niña kasi mas frequent ang bagyo, mas malalakas, at mas malaki ang damage sa agricultural sector kapag matindi ang pagbaha…so mas maganda kung merong ganitong provisions lalo na kung may emergency cases mas maganda kung makaka-intervene. [La Niña can cause extensive damage to the agriculture sector so it’s good to have such provisions that can intervene during emergency cases],” de Mesa said.

Part of the DA’s proposed amendments to the RCEF is the construction and enhancement of postharvest and processing facilities, such as warehouses, grain storage facilities, and drying facilities.

De Mesa also said rice prices remain stable following the end of the harvest season.

“Very stable naman ang presyo ng bigas at P48 to P53 for regular at well-milled rice. This has been going on for the last three months or simula January…hindi masyadong magalaw ang presyo ng bigas. [We have a very stable rice prices P48 to P53 pesos for regular and well-milled. This is occurring pa for the last three months. Rice prices haven’t moved too much since January],” he said.

According to the DA’s latest price watch report, the average weekly price of local commercial rice in the capital region is P49.44 per kilogram for regular and P51.81 per kg for well-milled while the imported commercial rice is P49.65/kg for regular and P52.60/kg for well-milled.

Source : businessmirror