Manila: More Filipino rice farmers are expected to benefit as the National Food Authority (NFA) eased its requirements for palay (unhusked rice) procurement following a public consultation with local farmers, millers, field officials, and other stakeholders on Feb. 23.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a phone interview on Thursday, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson stated that the eased standards would allow the NFA to procure more palay and provide local farmers with higher income. Lacson mentioned that this move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to support local farmers as the country approaches the peak harvest for the dry season next month.
Lacson elaborated on the feedback from farmers who questioned the rigidity of NFA's requirements. In response, the NFA recalibrated its acceptable moisture content from the current 12 percent to 14 percent, to a minimum of 11 percent for clean and dry palay. For fresh and wet palay, the acceptable moisture content is set at 22 percent to 29.9 percent.
The moisture content refers to the weight of water within the palay grains, and the current benchmark often leads to rejected or delayed palay deliveries from local farmers. Lacson emphasized that the new system will lead to less rejected palay, with a corresponding increase in price for the other palay categories.
The NFA currently buys clean and dry palay for PHP21 per kg., and PHP17 per kg. for fresh and wet palay. However, the new standard will employ a 'graduated' table with a corresponding price reduction, depending on the weight of wet palay, particularly in NFA warehouses with dryers. Lacson explained that this change eliminates the need for farmers to return home to dry their palay, thereby providing them with additional income compared to the current system.
In addition to the more flexible moisture content requirement, the NFA also relaxed its pest standards. Lacson noted that they will now allow the purchase of palay that is 'visibly-free' from pests, meaning minor pest presence will not lead to outright rejection.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the NFA's procurement changes align with the food security targets of the Marcos administration. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that farmers are profitable and not vulnerable to price fluctuations, as a food-secure Philippines begins with farmers who earn fairly from their harvest.
