MANILA— The Department of Agriculture (DA) is appealing to rice importers to voluntarily reduce shipments during the harvest season to help sustain local palay prices.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said palay prices have improved compared with the same period last year, with wet palay currently selling for between P16.50 and P20 per kilo.

“Ngayon ang mga palay, kanina minomonitor namin, pinakamababa PhP16.50, pinakamataas mga PhP20 sa wet. So, in general, okay naman ngayon,” Tiu-Laurel said during a Palace press briefing.

Despite the higher farmgate prices, Tiu-Laurel said the government currently sees no need to impose restrictions on rice imports.

He said the DA was instead asking importers to voluntarily reduce the volume of imported rice entering the country while farmers are harvesting their crops.

“So there is no reason to restrict importation. But of course, nakiusap tayo sa ating mga importers na during this harvest season, kung puwedeng bawasan nila iyong kanilang pagpasok ng imported, which we are helping our farmers,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA continues to monitor palay prices and market conditions as it seeks to ensure fair returns for farmers while maintaining sufficient rice supply for consumers.