DIRECT PURCHASE. National Food Authority staff conduct in-field procurement of palay (unhusked rice) in Barangay 57 Pila, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte in this undated photo. The NFA has increased its buying price for palay to encourage more farmers to sell to the state agency and help ensure adequate rice supply. (Photo courtesy of NFA Ilocos Norte)
MANILA – Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday urged the National Food Authority (NFA) to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) in identifying vulnerable areas affected by the El Niño.
In a news release, Binay said a vulnerability map would enable the NFA to prioritize regions with struggling farmers and allocate resources efficiently.
"By targeting regions with a high concentration of struggling farmers, the NFA can ensure a more efficient use of their resources and reach those who need support the most," she said.
Binay pointed out that a “targeted approach” would somehow empower farmers and could bridge the gap between the NFA's programs and Filipino farmers, ensuring a “more sustainable future” for the rice industry and protecting the interests of both producers and consumers.
She added that the proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law could empower the NFA in selling rice directly to markets at lower prices, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
"We cannot allow middlemen and importers to influence the rice market, that's why we need to highlight the need of a targeted support. NFA can serve as the direct buyer and should be in the forefront in offering farmers high buying prices," she said.
A more efficient NFA buying system, coupled with targeted support for cooperatives, can increase the availability of locally-sourced rice at competitive prices, she said. (PNA)
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