MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is planning to conduct a trial sale of blended local and imported rice in May as part of efforts to prevent possible increases in retail rice prices.

The move comes after the DA projected that well-milled and premium rice prices could reach PHP60 to PHP62 per kilogram by September if no government intervention is implemented.

Based on the DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch) as of Wednesday, premium imported rice in Metro Manila is selling at PHP55 to PHP63 per kilo, imported well-milled rice at PHP48, and imported regular-milled rice at PHP42 to PHP43.

For local varieties, premium rice ranges from PHP52 to PHP60 per kilo, while local well-milled and regular-milled rice are both priced at around PHP50 per kilo.

The projected increase in rice prices is attributed to rising fuel and fertilizer costs, as well as the expected impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

In a message, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the blended rice will initially be sold in select retail outlets in Metro Manila.

“Next month, may trials na sa (there will be trials in) retail outlets,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the initiative aims to help stabilize prices amid steady global rice prices.

“Ibe-blend mo ‘yung murang imported plus ‘yung mahal na local produced para ‘yung magiging resultang presyo ay bababa (You will blend the cheaper imported rice with the expensive locally-produced rice so the resulting price will be lower),” he said.

The proposed blend will initially be 60 percent imported rice and 40 percent locally produced rice, or a 70:30 ratio depending on implementation.

Aside from rice blending, the DA is also studying the possible sale of blended rice and corn grits.

The final selling price for the blended rice has yet to be determined, the agency said.