Government Plans Floor Price for Palay to Stabilize Market
The government is currently exploring the implementation of a floor price for palay to safeguard rice farmers from unpredictable market fluctuations. This move aims to ensure that farmers receive a minimum guaranteed price, preventing losses caused by sudden drops in palay prices. Sources familiar with the matter shared that this initiative is modeled after the tobacco pricing system used in Ilocos Norte, which has successfully maintained price stability for farmers.
During a dialogue with farmers in Bulacan, the President explained, “Pinag-aaralan namin, ginagaya namin kasi kagaya sa tabako doon sa amin sa Ilocos, may floor price. So never bababa doon sa floor price.” He further emphasized, “So pinag-aaralan namin magkaroon ng floor price para wala namang malugi kahit na…” This approach is designed to provide farmers with a more predictable income, enabling them to plan better for upcoming planting seasons.
Enhancing Support for Post-Harvest Logistics
The administration is also committed to reducing production and marketing costs by strengthening post-harvest logistics. Reviving the original role of the National Food Authority (NFA) as a buyer and price stabilizer is a key part of this effort. The President noted, “Kaya binabalik natin dun sa dating gawi na yung NFA na bumibili, tinitingnan yung presyo para maganda ang presyo sa pagbili sa inyo ng palay.”
Farmers have voiced the need for additional dryers, warehouses, rice mills, and transportation assistance. In response, the government plans to expand equipment distribution and logistics support. According to community leaders, local government units are already providing trucks to barangays and cooperatives to facilitate the transport of harvested palay. The President explained, “Pararamihin pa natin mga equipment… Namimigay yung mga LGU lalo ng truck sa bawat barangay o bawat cooperative para maihatid yung ani.”
By enabling cooperatives to own trucks and rice mills, farmers can reduce overhead costs and keep more value from their harvests. “Hindi ninyo pagkikitaan yung milling, hindi ninyo pagkikitaan… kaya hawak na ninyo lahat ng processing, hawak ninyo lahat ng transportation,” he added.
Revival of NFA Buying Operations to Stabilize Prices
The NFA’s role in price stabilization is crucial, especially during harvest seasons. The agency buys palay to prevent prices from falling too low and sells rice during lean periods to avoid excessive price increases for consumers. One source explained, “Ang trabaho ng NFA, bumibili kapag panahon ng ani para hindi babagsak yung presyo… pag tag-araw, pwede namang magbenta para hindi tumaas masyado yung presyo ng bigas para sa consumer.”
Currently, the NFA sets its buying price at P19 per kilo for fresh palay and P24 per kilo for dried palay. However, officials are reviewing whether these prices adequately support farmers’ needs. “Tinitingnan namin, tama maganda na bang presyo yun o kulang pa?” a government insider said.
Comprehensive Support for the Next Planting Season
Beyond pricing, the government is intensifying efforts to provide farmers with essential inputs, irrigation, and technology. The President affirmed the importance of rice in Filipino diets, stating, “Lahat ng Pilipino naman eh may makakain na bigas kasi alam mo naman para sa atin eh… ulam tuyo lang at saka kanin pwede na eh kaya kanin talaga, yung bigas talaga ang importante.”
Support includes access to fertilizers, pesticides, and climate-resilient rice varieties. Additionally, partnerships with private firms have introduced successful high-value vegetable farming projects. Nonetheless, palay remains the administration’s priority to ensure food security and farmer welfare.
For more news and updates on floor price for palay, visit Filipinokami.com.