ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — The National Food Authority – Capiz Branch reported sufficient palay and rice stocks to meet the province’s food security needs.
As of Jan. 17, palay inventory in all warehouses of Capiz Branch is at 186,411 bags equivalent to 117,439 bags of rice when milled.
The NFA also has 2,899 bags of rice on standby.
“These stocks are maintained in compliance with the NFA’s mandate on buffer stocks to ensure its response capabilities on food security and emergency response,” said NFA Acting Branch Manager Cashmere G. Gemarino.
She added that increased procurement from local farmers helps ensure the availability of rice during emergencies and supports the government’s food security initiatives.
Procurements of palay stocks are through in-warehouse transactions where farmers deliver their palay produce to the nearest NFA warehouse and mobile trading where farmers reach out to the agency to pick up their harvest in a designated area.
The NFA’s buying price is at P23.00 for clean and dry palay and P18.00 for wet palay stocks as of Jan. 20, 2025.
“This is based on the newly implemented Prince Range Scheme (PRICERS) which provides flexibility in setting ex-farm buying price of palay at a competitive level to attain the palay procurement target of the government,” Gemarino noted, adding that adjustments on a weekly basis in all covered areas nationwide are expected as a result of regular monitoring and surveys for a competitive price.
Interested farmers may visit the NFA Branch Office in Brgy. Bolo, Roxas City and its local warehouses to inquire and avail its services. (AAL/PIA Capiz with reports from NFA PIO Salve Agustin)
