The agriculture sector is gradually recovering despite the crisis brought about by COVID-19 in the country.
Based on the data of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the national average price of palay has reached Php 19.91 per kilo on the last week of April. It is higher than the Php 18.48 price last April 2019.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said farmers have been recovering from the effects of the Rice Tariffication Law amid the ongoing pandemic. The price of local rice also rose together with the increase in palay price.
Based on DA price monitoring, the price of local rice per kilo soared by Php 1.00 at the Guadalupe Market, Php 4.00 in Pasig Market, and Php 6.00 in Commonwealth Market.
Dar explained the price of local rice will eventually increase, more so if the local production of rice will continue to bloom. He added consumers can choose from a wide variety of rice within the suggested retail price of the DA.
Dar also warned those who take advantage of the pandemic to sell overpriced rice, following the capture of business owners engaged in selling overpriced agricultural products. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
