Manila, Philippines – Cabinet members in India are set to discuss the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) current recommendation for a temporary import ban on rice and the imposition of higher tariffs.
According to Malacañang, the important matter will be tackled with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. while he is on the sidelines of his state visit to India.
In a statement released by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez, it was stated that the recommendation aims to protect the country’s local farmers.
It can be recalled that prior to the announcement, the DA had already expressed its push to increase the tariff on imported rice from the current 15% to 25%.
Meanwhile, the DA clarified that although they are proposing a 25% tariff, the figure is not yet final and may still change after the cabinet discussions with President Marcos are concluded.
Once the proposed tariff hike is approved, it is expected to help increase farmers’ income and expand the government’s capacity to provide more support to them especially since many farmlands have been damaged by recent calamities.