NO need to panic.

There is sufficient domestic produce to meet the rice demand in the country and market prices should now remain steady, according to Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of the Abono party-list.

In a statement issued Thursday, So said rice farmers in northern Luzon, including Pangasinan, have already started harvesting from the main cropping season and it is expected to continue until February next year.

“The price has stabilized at P32 per kilo with the harvests from La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, among others. The price of palay also went back to P17 to P18 per kilo,” he added.

So also downplayed warnings from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) of a possible food crisis.

“We strongly disagree with the NEDA… that the country needs 500,000 metric tons to meet the country’s requirements… NEDA’s claims are not true because local harvest and production can sufficiently meet the country’s rice requirement,” So said.

Other rice industry stakeholders such as Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines president Robert Castro, Region I Confederation of Irrigators Association president Oftociano Manalo, and Philippine Confederation of Grains Associations Herculano Co have also assured the public of ample supply.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has already asked Congress to consider drafting a legislation that will penalize individuals and groups who disseminate erroneous information to create panic.

So also called on the National Food Authority (NFA) to buy more rice from the countryside to ensure adequate stock during the lean season.

“The NFA should build up its stocks this harvest season. Having adequate stocks on hand will help prevent rice price spike during the planting season,” he said.

Meanwhile, NFA Administrator Orlan Calayag said the current rice inventory is bigger this year compared to the same period last year.–Eva Visperas

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