NFA increases rice buffer stock to 10-day supply

The National Food Authority (NFA) reported a significant increase in its rice buffer stock, now good for 10 days, due to the peak summer harvest.

As of April 24, the NFA's total inventory includes 10.1 million bags of unmilled rice and 1.2 million bags of milled rice, equivalent to 7.56 million 50-kilo bags of milled rice, the highest level since late 2020.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson stated that with about P12 billion allocated for procurement, the agency aims to maximize purchases during the ongoing harvest season and support local farmers.

This inventory aligns with the government's goal to provide more affordable rice to Filipino consumers under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to boost palay procurement efforts.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of the P20-per-kilo rice program, which aims to expand access to affordable rice for vulnerable sectors and is set to launch in Visayas before a nationwide rollout.