The National Food Authority will raise its nationwide buying price for palay to P21 per kilogram from P17 starting in September. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move addresses higher fertilizer and input costs for farmers. The agency also announced a temporary rice import ban in Iloilo and new processing facilities.
The National Food Authority is increasing its palay purchase price to P21 per kilogram across the Philippines beginning in September. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the adjustment helps farmers cope with rising fertilizer and other production costs.
Tiu Laurel also declared a temporary ban on rice imports into Iloilo province from mid-September through November. The measure aims to shield local producers during peak harvest periods.
In addition the NFA inaugurated a P355.4 million rice processing facility in Iloilo this week. Two larger facilities are planned for the province with operations expected by October while a smaller center in Dumangas will transfer to a farmers cooperative.
The agency is constructing 36 modern rice processing facilities nationwide. Half are scheduled to start during the coming wet season and the rest before the next dry season harvest.