DA to get 90% of subsidized rice next year from farmers

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) would obtain 80-90% of rice for next year’s subsidized rice program from local farmers and the rest from imports, targeting 1.5 million metric tons worth P29 billion, its chief told congressmen at a House of Representatives hearing on Monday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said sourcing from imports would significantly cut costs but insisted that supporting local farmers must remain the priority.