he National Food Authority (NFA) is planning to import over 330,000 metric tons (MT) of rice to replenish the country’s buffer stock of the staple in anticipation of calamities.
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In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the NFA is proposing the importation of 330,000 MT of rice “to cover an expected deficit in the country’s buffer stock for the relief operations of various agencies in the event of calamities this year.”
On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also sits as the secretary of Agriculture, said the Philippines’ rice supply is in “good shape” but the NFA’s buffer stock is currently low and need to be replenished to reach at least nine days worth of buffer stock.
The PCO, likewise, said the NFA’s proposed buffer stock of rice is equivalent to nine days of national consumption from July 2023 onwards and “will ensure sufficient volume for calamity and relief requirements from July to December this year.”
Marcos, however, said the NFA should buy its buffer stock from local farmers.
By TED CORDERO, GMA Integrated News
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In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the NFA is proposing the importation of 330,000 MT of rice “to cover an expected deficit in the country’s buffer stock for the relief operations of various agencies in the event of calamities this year.”
On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also sits as the secretary of Agriculture, said the Philippines’ rice supply is in “good shape” but the NFA’s buffer stock is currently low and need to be replenished to reach at least nine days worth of buffer stock.
The PCO, likewise, said the NFA’s proposed buffer stock of rice is equivalent to nine days of national consumption from July 2023 onwards and “will ensure sufficient volume for calamity and relief requirements from July to December this year.”
Marcos, however, said the NFA should buy its buffer stock from local farmers.
By TED CORDERO, GMA Integrated News