Manila, Jan. 22 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering an initial importation of 300,000 metric tons (MT) of rice in February, as part of its calibrated measures to stabilize supply and retail prices following a consultation with industry stakeholders, which assured support for local farmers.

In a news release Thursday, the DA said that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. secured the commitments from rice millers and importers for continued support for local farmers by maintaining minimum palay (unhusked rice) buying prices during the approaching harvest season.

Meanwhile, traders also assured continued purchase of palay at no less than PHP17 per kilo for wet palay and PHP21 per kilo for dry palay, depending on ...