By Manila Standard

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday denounced reports of rice traders allegedly buying fresh, wet palay at only P5 per kilogram in Nueva Ecija during the tail-end of the harvest season.

The report was initially raised by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), prompting the DA to launch a formal investigation.

DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said traders involved in such alleged abusive practices may face profiteering charges if proven. “That’s too much. It’s really an abuse of traders,” he said during a press briefing.

De Mesa said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has already instructed the National Food Authority (NFA) and the agency’s regional field offices to verify the report on the ground.

The DA is also looking into earlier complaints of similar cases in other provinces. Meanwhile, the department is considering a minimum farmgate price for palay in time for the next harvest season in September or October.

The agency is supporting House Bill No. 1 or the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, which will institutionalize the enforcement of a minimum farmgate price. The final floor price is still under review.

Published Date: July 20, 2025