The Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun an investigation in 32 areas in the country after receiving reports of traders buying palay for P13 to P15 per kilo. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. himself ordered the investigation to determine if the complaint is true and hold the exploitative traders accountable.
The investigation includes identifying traders in such areas and seeking an explanation as to why the prices offered to farmers are so low. Because of this, the DA is also studying what laws or policies can be used to protect local farmers.
If the complaint is proven true, it is also possible to set a floor price for rice so that farmers do not suffer losses. According to the DA, it is important to maintain farmers' interest in planting next season so that the country's rice supply is not affected.
