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Marcos suspends rice importation for 60 days

By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, TED CORDERO, GMA Integrated News President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed the suspension of all rice importation for 60 days starting September 1, 2025. Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said this is to protect local farmers reeling from low palay prices during this current harvest season. The Agriculture Department […]

Ishiba unveils policy shift to boost rice production

Jiji Press Tokyo (Jiji Press) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tuesday that his government will seek to increase the country’s rice production, marking a significant shift from the policy of adjusting rice output through de facto acreage cutbacks. Ishiba told a meeting of relevant ministers on the stable supply of rice that he […]

Farmers’ group slams DA plan to halt rice imports, raise tariffs

By: Kathleen de Villa – Reporter MANILA, Philippines — A peasant group on Tuesday slammed the latest proposed scheme of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to temporarily halt rice importation and revert to higher tariffs, calling it another sham “pro-farmer” policy. According to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the DA’s interim proposal to address […]

Experts, Policymakers Visit ISARC to Explore Scalable Innovations in Sustainable Rice-Based Agrifood Systems

IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) is emerging as a key hub for scalable, science-led innovations in Indian and regional agriculture. With strong endorsements from top policymakers and experts, ISARC is driving impactful collaborations in climate-smart farming, digital tools, and rice-based value addition. KJ Staff IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) is increasingly being recognized […]

Japanese Agrivoltaics Pilot Combines Solar Panels and Rice Fields for Sustainable Farming

by Bioengineer In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, the imperative to optimize land use without compromising food production has become a critical challenge worldwide. Nowhere is this tension more pronounced than in Japan, where rugged mountainous terrain restricts the availability of flat arable land. A pioneering study emerging from the University of Tokyo offers […]

Top rice importer Philippines may halt purchases to help farmers

By Manolo Serapio Jr. ,Bloomberg The Philippines may temporarily suspend rice imports to support local farmers in the world’s biggest buyer, potentially increasing the risk of expanding a global surplus. The Department of Agriculture has recommended the plan and also pushed for higher tariffs on imported rice, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement […]

Japan hits record-breaking 41.8°C as heatwave threatens rice crops

Japan recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.8°C (107.2°F) on Tuesday in the city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, as a severe heatwave sweeps the country, raising serious concerns over public health and food security. The temperature surpasses the previous national record of 41.2°C, set just last week in Tamba, Hyogo Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological […]

Climate-resilient and eco-friendly rice for Africa

Background Rice is becoming a vital staple in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to rising consumption and urbanization. Current production struggles to meet this demand, and climate change increases extreme weather events, making food systems more vulnerable. Most rice varieties in SSA are outdated and low yielding, facing challenges from both abiotic (flooding, drought) and biotic […]

DA pushes for higher rice import tariff, halt on rice imports

By Anna Leah Gonzales MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for the temporary suspension of rice importation and an increase in tariffs on imported rice, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said Monday. Last week, the DA said it is pushing for a modest increase in tariffs on imported rice to […]