MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will launch two rice variants, “Sulit Rice” and “Nutri Rice,” this January, priced between P35 to P38 per kilo, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said. 

According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, Sulit Rice will be sold at P35 to P36 per kilo and is categorized as 100 percent broken rice. 

While the grains are broken, de Mesa noted that the quality remains acceptable for consumption.

These will be made available in Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores, select markets, and train stations across the country.

Meanwhile, Nutri Rice, priced at P37 to P38 per kilo, undergoes a single-pass milling process, which helps retain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to fully milled white rice.

Wider distribution eyed

Initially available in the National Capital Region (NCR), the DA plans to expand distribution to other regions within the year. The supply will be managed by Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), sourced both locally and internationally.

“We have adequate supply to support the planned distribution through Kadiwa stores and other outlets,” de Mesa said.

Kadiwa center expansion targets

The DA aims to have 700 operational Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers by March and plans to increase this to 1,500 centers by 2028.

Price and production forecast

De Mesa mentioned that rice under the Rice for All initiative is expected to maintain a price range of P38 to P39 per kilo, continuing a gradual price adjustment observed in recent months.

Despite anticipated La Niña conditions in the first quarter, the DA expects palay production to reach 20 million metric tons this year.

Supply and availability

The DA assures that systems are in place to maintain a steady rice supply while balancing affordability and quality.

Both Sulit Rice and Nutri Rice are expected to become available in Kadiwa centers, select markets, and train stations nationwide starting this month.