Agriculture
DA bans rice importation in WV during quarterly harvests
KALIBO, Aklan- Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Friday noon that he is keen to ban rice imports in the Western Visayas region this year, especially during harvest season.
Laurel was here on Friday to launch the P20 rice program, the first in the Visayas this year. Also, he came here for the launch of the Value Chain Enhancement of High Value Crops through Smart Agriculture (VEHCSA). The program has a budget of $8 million and is funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Laurel also announced that the P20 per kilo rice program in the country will extend until June 30, 2028.
“The ban on imports is meant to allow farmers to sell their inputs to the market without competition from imports,” he said in his speech at the ABL Sports Complex at the Capitol here.
Laurel said he is also keen on establishing a bagsakan center here to ensure food security for residents and tourists in Boracay Island.
According to DA-Western Visayas Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia the harvest season in the region is on a quarterly basis.
The Western Visayas is currently composed of the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo. Capiz, Antique and Guimaras.
