Palay price manipulation must be closely monitored to prevent unfair pricing that could harm local farmers, according to Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga.
Enverga called on government agencies to strengthen oversight of palay prices, ensuring that traders do not take advantage of farmers, especially during the upcoming harvest season from March to May.
He noted that in past harvest periods, particularly from September to October, some farmers were forced to sell their palay at ₱14 to ₱18 per kilo, significantly below standard rates.
According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average farmgate price of dry palay in January 2025 was ₱20.69 per kilo.
Enverga warned that without stricter regulation, unscrupulous traders might once again depress palay prices during the upcoming harvest.
He urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) to intensify monitoring and take active steps to stabilize palay prices.
To support fair pricing, Enverga suggested that the NFA purchase at least 20% of the local harvest.
He also proposed implementing a real-time digital price monitoring system to ensure transparency in farmgate prices.
While keeping rice affordable for consumers is essential, the co-chair of the Quinta Comm emphasized that reducing dependence on imported rice is the long-term solution.
He advocated for increased subsidies for fertilizers, improved post-harvest facilities, and mechanization programs to lower production costs and boost local rice output.
Enverga also called on the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Enforcement Group to establish and enforce clear regulations against price-fixing to protect both farmers and consumers.
He assured the public that the House Murang Pagkain Supercommittee, or Quinta Comm, remains committed to implementing long-term reforms to strengthen the rice industry.