More rice imports loom

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is expected to import more rice this year as local production will still not be enough to cover the national demand for the main staple, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

According to the latest report of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the Philippines will likely import 1.4 million metric tons (MT) of rice this year, up 17 percent.

The USDA hiked this year’s rice imports from the earlier projection of 1.3 million MT following the planned purchase by the National Food Authority.

“Trade is at a record, with higher imports for Bangladesh, Ghana, Indonesia, and the Philippines,” the USDA said.

Production of milled-rice is seen increasing by five percent to 12.3 million MT this year.

The USDA said there may be improvements in area planted as rice areas are seen to cover 4.86 million hectares or an increase of three percent.

Yield is expected to improve  to 4.02 MT per hectare from 3.96 MT.

“The Philippine government has been boosting investments in irrigation services and high-yielding variety seed production to fulfill its national rice self-sufficiency goal. This year’s record harvest was attributed to the expansion of irrigated acreage and record crop yields,” the USDA said.

“The overall weather pattern was supportive of excellent crop development and yields, given rainfall was near-to-above normal,” it added.

Meanwhile, local corn production may decline by two percent to 8.04 million MT.