The Department of Agriculture (DA) is recalibrating its policies as it works to keep food affordable without undermining farmers’ earnings, following recent increases in rice and onion prices in public markets.

DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency is closely monitoring supply conditions and market behavior to address the price swings.

Retail rice and onion prices have climbed in recent weeks, even as some onion farmers report low farm gate prices. Meanwhile, palay prices have strengthened after the four-month suspension on rice imports ended on 31 December.

Industry observers attribute the uptick in rice prices to temporary supply gaps and logistical setbacks that slowed the entry of imported stocks.

Onion shipments expected late last year were also delayed due to transshipment problems overseas and port closures during the 24 December to 5 January holiday period, tightening local supply.

“The government is actively managing the situation to stabilize the market,” Tiu Laurel said.

He noted that the agency aims to prevent extreme price movements that could either burden consumers or discourage producers. “Our goal is to strike a balance to ensure farmers recover their costs, while consumers can access rice and onions at reasonable prices,” he added.

To cushion consumers from rising costs, the department is fast-tracking the rollout of its Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! initiative in major urban centers. The program is designed to make rice more affordable while helping maintain viable farm gate prices.

Onion growers in Nueva Ecija have pointed to imports as a factor behind low buying prices. However, recent inspections of cold storage facilities showed limited volumes of imported onions, indicating that other market forces may be influencing farm gate rates.

With local onion production expected to peak in March and April, the DA is reviewing additional measures to help stabilize farm prices without triggering another retail surge.