NFA hits 95% of 2024 rice inventory goal
The National Food Authority (NFA) has attained 95 percent of its inventory goal this year, with its stock reaching over 5 million 50-kilogram bags of milled rice.
In a message to the Inquirer over the weekend, NFA acting Administrator Larry Lacson said the grains agency has maintained 5.661 million 50-kg bags of rice, equivalent to 283,080 metric tons (MT).
The NFA’s goal is to maintain an inventory of grains equivalent to 300,000 MT of milled rice this year and in 2025, Lacson said.
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With ample stocks, the NFA said it is ready to release supplies to help in relief efforts during emergencies and calamities, even during the holiday season.
The food agency made this assurance following the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island and the monitored forecasts on intertropical convergence zones and rain showers in most parts of the country.
Article continues after this advertisement“We have instructed our employees in the field to immediately activate our operation centers in the areas affected by floods, typhoons and other emergencies and to open their hotlines to fast-track coordination with our relief institutions,” Lacson said.
Article continues after this advertisement“We are on holiday season but our office is always open to meet the needs of our people. That includes providing services to the people at any time of need,” he added.
Lacson also said he issued a standing order to its ranks ”to closely and continuously coordinate with the local farmers and the chief executives in their area for immediate response.”
Buffer stock
The NFA is mandated by law to maintain an optimal level of rice buffer stock to be sourced exclusively from local farmers.
Based on the amended Rice Tariffication Law, a buffer stock good for 15 days should be maintained to sustain the government’s disaster relief programs during natural or human-caused calamities and to address food security emergency situations on the staple food.
The agency said it has intensified its palay buying strategies under the Price Range Scheme or “Pricers” to accommodate relief requests of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units and legislators for distribution to affected families and individuals in calamity-stricken areas.