NFA launches P10B modernization program for rice storage

The National Food Authority (NFA) is implementing a P10 billion modernization program to boost rice storage and processing capabilities.

The program allocates P5 billion from last year's national budget and P5 billion from this year's budget for new rice mills, drying facilities, and other infrastructure projects.

These new facilities will enable the NFA to purchase rice with a moisture content above the current 14% requirement.

An additional P1.5 billion will be used to repair existing warehouses, with some repairs already ongoing.

P3.5 billion will go towards adding 800,000 metric tons of storage capacity by next year, nearly doubling the NFA's current capacity.

This expanded capacity aims to address the issue of nearly full warehouse space and improve storage efficiency.

The new facilities will increase rice recovery rates, improve farmer incomes, and stabilize prices for producers and consumers.