Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Photo: Reuters) Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on July 29 thecountry must boost its rice stocks and that he may seek a supply deal withIndia, worried about the potential impact of El Nino dry weather on the localharvest and about other suppliers.
The President told officials in the northern province ofCagayan, where he went to assess the damage from Typhoon Doksuri, that he’sthinking aboutthe national supply for rice.
ThePhilippines, one of the world's biggest rice importers, traditionally buys thestaple grain mainly from its neighbour Vietnam. But Marcos said supply fromVietnam might become limited as other buyers crowd in. Therefore, he’s consideringa deal with India
Aspokesman for India's food ministry did not immediately respond to a requestfor comment.
India last week banned exports of non-basmati white rice - itslargest rice export category - to ease domestic prices that climbed after rainscaused significant crop damage. New Delhi left open the door forgovernment-to-government deals, saying it will consider meeting therequirements of countries in need of rice./.
