Affordable Rice Varieties to Ring in the New Year
Filipinos can look forward to even lower rice prices as the new year rolls around, thanks to two new varieties set to hit the market. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is launching “sulit rice” and “nutri rice” with budget-friendly price tags in 2025.
Delicious Rice at Lower Costs
“That’s our planned New Year offering. We will introduce new varieties at the start of the year,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra said during a Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
Sulit rice will be available for P36 per kilo, while nutri rice will retail at P38. These new varieties will be sold in addition to the existing P40 per kg price for mixed local and imported well-milled rice offered at Kadiwa stores.
Types for Every Taste
Guevarra described nutri rice as “brownish,” appealing to consumers seeking a healthier grain option, while sulit rice, she explained, is white but “super broken,” making it an even more affordable choice.
Balancing Prices for Grower & Consumer
While many are understandably eager for lower rice prices, Guevarra cautioned that significant price cuts at Kadiwa stores could have unintended consequences for farmers.
“It is also frustrating for farmers if the price of rice drops too low,” she said. “There’s a ripple effect if it drops too low. Of course, if I’m planting rice, I might be discouraged to plant more because, if it is that low, I might not make any money.”
Expanded Access Through Kadiwa
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo’s (KNP) Rice for All program continues its mission to provide cheaper rice than the prevailing market prices, bringing affordable nutrition to more Filipinos. KNP kiosks, already operating in strategic locations across the country, play a vital role in reaching a wider audience.
Current Kadiwa kiosks are located in Kamuning Market, Malabon Central Market, New Las Piñas City Public Market, Pasay City Public Market, Guadalupe Market, MRT-North Avenue Station, and LRT-Monumento Station.
More Locations in the Pipeline
The DA plans to expand its Kadiwa presence even further with new kiosks in the Balintawak (Cloverleaf) Market, Maypajo Public Market in Quezon City, Cartimar Market in Pasay City, Grace Market in Pateros, and Paco Market this month, ensuring that more communities have access to affordable, quality rice.
What measures are in place to ensure the long-term affordability of “sulit rice” and “nutri rice”?
## Interview: Affordable Rice for the New Year
**(INTRO MUSIC)**
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show, everyone. Joining us today is Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra to discuss some exciting news for Filipino rice consumers.
Assistant Secretary Guevarra, thank you for being here.
**ASSISTANT SECRETARY GUEVARRA:** My pleasure.
**HOST:** You recently announced the launch of two new rice varieties, “sulit rice” and “nutri rice”, aimed at making this staple more affordable. Can you tell us more about these new varieties?
**ASSISTANT SECRETARY GUEVARRA:** Absolutely. We understand the importance of rice affordability for Filipino families. That’s why we’re proud to introduce ”sulit rice”, which will retail for P36 per kilo, and “nutri rice” at P38. These varieties will be available starting in 2025, adding to the existing rice options available to consumers.
**HOST:** That’s fantastic news! What makes these new varieties different from what’s currently on the market?
**ASSISTANT SECRETARY GUEVARRA:** While I can’t divulge all the details just yet, both “sulit rice” and “nutri rice” have been carefully developed to deliver excellent taste and quality at a more accessible price point. “Nutri rice”, in particular, will offer added nutritional benefits, contributing towards a healthier diet for Filipino families.
**HOST:** This is wonderful news for Filipinos, especially as we head into the New Year. Do you anticipate any challenges in making these new varieties widely available?
**ASSISTANT SECRETARY GUEVARRA:** Of course, there are always challenges when introducing new products. However, we’re working closely with farmers and suppliers to ensure a smooth rollout and distribution of these varieties across the country.
**HOST:** And what can Filipinos expect to see in terms of rice pricing in the long term?
**ASSISTANT SECRETARY GUEVARRA:** Our goal is to continuously strive for rice affordability and accessibility for all Filipinos. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that rice remains a staple within everyone’s reach.
**HOST:** Thank you so much, Assistant Secretary Guevarra, for sharing this exciting news with us.
**ASSISTANT SECRETARY GUEVARRA:** It was my pleasure.
**(OUTRO MUSIC)**
