Government Plans to Raise Palay Buying Price
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring ways to increase the buying price of palay (unhusked rice) to bolster the national government’s P20 per kilo rice program. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. shared this during the program launch at Burgos Public Market on Thursday. The goal is to secure a higher budget for the National Food Authority (NFA) to purchase more palay directly from farmers at fair prices.
Currently, the NFA buys palay at P24 per kilo. Laurel mentioned that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pushing to double or even triple the NFA’s procurement budget. This would allow the agency to buy a larger share of the local harvest, supporting farmers more effectively.
Expanding Palay Purchases to Aid Farmers
Under existing laws, the NFA can only purchase about five percent of the country’s total palay production. However, with legal adjustments and increased funding, this could rise to 10 or even 30 percent. Such an expansion would provide significant relief and stable income for Filipino farmers.
The rollout of this plan is expected within one to two months, targeting the crucial October to November harvest season. Laurel emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of both farmers and consumers. He acknowledged the strong public demand for affordable rice, which the P20 per kilo program aims to address.
Protecting Farmers and Consumers Alike
“It is the mandate of the DA to protect farmers and fisherfolk, but we also need to take care of consumers,” Laurel explained. Interestingly, farmers themselves will benefit from the program by being able to purchase rice at the P20 per kilo rate, starting next year or even earlier.
To ensure smooth implementation, nationwide consultations and site visits to various farms are ongoing. These activities help gather feedback and fine-tune the program to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
“Huwag isipin na kaawaawa sila (farmers),” Laurel stressed. He explained that the rice provided under the program, produced by Filipino farmers, is of good quality and meant especially for those in need.
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