NFA buys P3.3-M worth of clean and dry palay
BACOLOD CITY -- The National Food Authority has already bought 3,747 bags clean and dry palay worth P3.3 million from individual farmers and Farmers Cooperatives/Organizations (FOs) in line with the agency's Palay Procurement Program.
Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino said more farmers are interested to avail of the said program as they bring their palay samples to the office for moisture testing in order to avail of a higher buying price of NFA at P17.00 per kilogram.
Aside from the support price, the NFA also gives out fertilizer incentive of P1,800 for every 50 bags non-cumulative actual delivery of palay. Bejemino added that the Fertilizer Incentive Program is given only to farmer/FO who is passbook holders at the time of delivery.
The local chief is also encouraging farmers to avail of the NFA's "Farmers-Option to Buy Back."
Under the program, FOs/ farmers have the option to buy back the same volume of palay they delivered to NFA within the period of six months.
With this, Bejemino said, they can earn additional income by giving them the opportunity to sell their produce at better prices especially during the lean months.
Three buying stations are cater to the needs of the farmers. These are located in Gequillana Warehouse in Dancalan in Ilog, Napro Warehouse in San Carlos City and Shuttlers Warehouse in Singcang, Bacolod City.
Bejemino said that two mobile procurement teams will be dispatched this week to conduct massive information campaign on this program and eventually to buy the produce of the farmers who are located in remote and far-flung areas reached by the mobile teams.
The local NFA aims to procure 20,000 bags of palay this year. (NFA/PIA/EAD)