00:00The Department of Agriculture, or DA, announced that a higher import volume of rice is possible
00:06this year compared to 2023.
00:09Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa explained that importers may exceed last year's volume
00:15to ensure a stable supply despite potential challenges from El Nino.
00:21The DA reported PHP 15.3 billion pesos in agricultural damage from El Nino, impacting
00:27333,195 farmers and fishers.
00:33Nevertheless, the DA remains optimistic about achieving a rice production target of 20.4
00:39million metric tons.
00:41This statement highlights the DA's strategy to balance imports and harvests to maintain
00:47food security in the face of climate-related challenges.
