NFA-Pangasinan close to rice stockpile target
THE National Food Authority (NFA) in Pangasinan is close to achieving its rice stockpile goal for 2024, having secured 70% of its targeted 336,000 bags amidst challenging weather conditions.
The achievement is attributed to a combination of favorable harvests and proactive purchasing strategies.
Frederick Dulay, assistant manager of NFA-Eastern Pangasinan, reported that as of June 13, NFA purchased over 232,000 bags of rice from local farmers, a stock considered sufficient to meet the region’s needs for the year despite limited rainfall in late 2023 due to the El Niño phenomenon.
The NFA’s strategic response included early planting advisories to farmers, distribution of water pumps for irrigation purposes, and investment in solar-powered irrigation systems for areas beyond the reach of existing infrastructure.
The Ilocos Region recorded minimal crop damage due to the dry spell at only one percent, demonstrating the effectiveness of the NFA’s interventions.
In its ongoing efforts to bolster rice reserves, the NFA continues to offer competitive prices for crops, buying clean and dry unhusked rice at P29 to P30 per kilo and wet rice at P22 pesos per kilo, encouraging farmers to sell their produce directly to the government, ensuring fair compensation and stabilizing local markets. (Ahikam Pasion)
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