Manila, July 1 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday it has recommended a 60-day extension of the PHP50 per kg. price cap for 5 percent broken imported rice.

The DA submitted its proposal before the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), after the month-long nationwide price cap lapsed on June 13.

In an interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the proposal comes in time for the lean months for palay (unhusked rice) production.

"Why do we need two more months? Dahil ngayon walang harvest e (Because there's no harvest now)," Tiu Laurel said, citing the need to sustain rice price stability in retail markets.

"Ngayon na na-lift na 'yung price cap, 'yung ibang mga retailers natin, nakita namin sumisirit at...