During a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, however, assured that the country will have enough rice supply until the end of 2022.

“As of the moment, we expect 90 percent rice sufficiency for the third quarter of the year, and we have at least 72 million metric tons of rice good for 46 days. So, we don’t expect a shortage in the supply,” de Mesa told lawmakers.

During the hearing, Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, committee chairman, asked officials of the DA about the possibility of a rice shortage after Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente “Joey” Salceda said the drought in China could result in a possible global rice supply downturn.

China is the world’s top rice-producing country.

READ  MORE:   https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/31/news/national/china-drought-to-hike-price-of-rice/1856672

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