Trial sale of blended rice set next month – DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to roll out a pilot sale of blended rice in May as part of efforts to stabilize retail prices amid concerns of a potential spike later this year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative will initially be tested in selected retail outlets in Metro Manila, with the goal of cushioning consumers from projected price increases.

“Next month, may trials na sa retail outlets,” he said.

The plan comes after the DA projected that prices of well-milled and premium rice could rise to ₱60 to ₱62 per kilo by September if no intervention is made.

Based on the DA Bantay Presyo monitoring, imported premium rice in Metro Manila currently ranges from ₱55 to ₱63 per kilo, while imported well-milled rice sells at around ₱48 per kilo, and regular-milled at ₱42 to ₱43 per kilo. Local rice prices are similarly elevated, with premium varieties at ₱52 to ₱60 per kilo and well-milled and regular-milled rice both around ₱50 per kilo.

DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the blended rice program aims to ease price pressure by combining cheaper imported rice with higher-priced local produce.

“Ibe-blend mo ‘yung murang imported plus ‘yung mahal na local produced para ‘yung magiging resultang presyo ay bababa,” he said.

The proposed mix is 60 to 70 percent imported rice and 30 to 40 percent locally produced rice, although final pricing has yet to be determined.

Officials said the strategy is designed to respond to several cost pressures, including rising fuel and fertilizer prices and the potential impact of the developing El Niño phenomenon.

Aside from rice, the DA is also exploring the possibility of blending rice with corn grits as part of broader food affordability measures.