by Carla P. Gomez

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is seeking ways to increase the buying price of palay (unmilled rice) to provide needed support to local rice farmers.

Jose Albert Barrogo, DA-NIR regional director, said some traders are purchasing palay for a meager P12 to P15 per kilo, which is below the average production cost of about P14.50 per kilo.

This low price puts a significant financial strain on farmers. The DA-NIR’s goal is to raise the buying price to P18 per kilo to ensure farmers can earn a sustainable income, he said.

To achieve this, the DA-NIR is collaborating with the EcoAgri Foundation, led by Ramon Uy Sr., Barrogo said.

Barrogo said the government’s two-month ban on rice importation, which began on Sept. 1, is intended to assist local farmers. This ban coincides with the peak rice harvesting season across the country.

Negros farmers are anticipating a high yield this season, as recent rains did not cause significant crop damage, he said.

The volume of the rice supply is expected to increase substantially in the second week of September as the harvest goes into full swing, Barrogo said.

Published Date: September 3, 2025