NFA launches aggressive local palay procurement

LIBUNGAN, North Cotabato - The National Food Authority (NFA) has purchased 1-million bags of paddy rice in the first 15 days of the year as the agency started an aggressive procurement program from local farmers.With an initial budget of P7-B, the NFA aims to buy 350,000 metric tons of paddy rice for the first half of 2019.This is equivalent to 227,500 metric tons or 4.450-million bags of rice.With a buying price of P17 per kilo plus an incentive of P3.70 per kilo, the NFA expects to hit the 350,000-metric ton procurement target well ahead of time.The NFA is supported by the Department of Agriculture since it has been transferred back to its Mother Agency four months ago.Yesterday, during the launching of the 2019 Procurement Program in Region 12, DA Regional Director Milagros Casis turned over 5 new hauling trucks to NFA Director Diane Silva.The trucks will be used in hauling farmers’ produce from the field to the NFA Buying Station.The DA will also turn over Mechanical Dryers to the NFA buying stations for free use by farmers.Additional incentives including one bag of free rice seeds will also be given to farmers who will sell 80 bags of paddy rice to the NFA.Farmers associations and cooperatives will also get farm machinery and equipment if they deliver huge volumes of palay to NFA.A Cash Advance Credit Program is also being designed to allow farmers to get an advance payment on their deliveries to the NFA to protect them from loan sharks and usurers.NFA Acting Administrator Tomas Escarez said the NFA is now preparing for the start of harvest in Western Visayas and Zamboanga next month. Image may contain 4 people people smiling people standing and outdoor sand//scontent.fcgy1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49898497_2094225120659946_8601650665783033856_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104:amp_nc_ht=scontent.fcgy1-1.fnaandampoh=24d1b70b9fa0293621c0157f17bbeee9andampoe=5CBD30D9