While speaking in Iloilo City recently, Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol called on farmers in the Western Visayas to plant more rice, noting increases in “farm gate prices;” sometimes referred to as a “factory gate” price, the term indicates the actual cost of a product, comprised of elements including labor and energy costs, but free of any markup.

“Farmers have been suffering for so many years [because] the price was previously P8 to P12 per kilogram,” he said.

With prices currently ranging between P20 and P24 per kilogram, the cabinet official said the cost of production is driving up prices.

“Next year, it is projected there will be low supply of rice [on] the world market, so you better plant more,” Piñol urged.

He also told farmers to not fear the “tariffication” of rice.

With the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund beginning next year, the agriculture secretary explained the revenue would go towards purchasing seeds for farmers.

“I am encouraging the seed growers in this region to produce more,” Piñol added. “We will buy from you at P40 per kilogram.”/WDJ