The Department of Agriculture (DA) is aiming to promote varieties of rice favored by consumers and desired levels of productivity that would give farmers more income, its chief said on Wednesday.

“We need to adapt to the changes brought about by the Rice Tariffication Law, one of which is consumers' preference for quality rice. This is now an integral part of the overall transformation of the country’s rice industry,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said during a virtual meeting with leaders of farmers’ groups, millers and traders from major rice-producing provinces.