NFA procures 2.2 million bags of palay from PH farmers in Q1 2025

The National Food Authority (NFA) has procured 2.2 million bags of unmilled rice or palay from local farmers in the first quarter of 2025, the agency reported Tuesday.

"Sa ating mga magsasaka naman, alam naman natin panahon ng anihan, marami ang nagbebenta sa National Food Authority. So, sa first quarter of the year, ending March 31, naka-procure na po ng 2.2 million bags of palay, katumbas po iyan ng P2.6 billion na po ang nabili natin para—mula sa ating mga magsasaka," NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said in a briefing.

(To our farmers, we all know that it's harvest season and a lot of farmers are selling to the National Food Authority. In the first quarter of the year, ending March 31, we have procured 2.2 million bags of palay from local farmers. This is equivalent to P2.6 billion.)

"At patuloy pa po tayo namimili hanggang sa kasalukuyan (We still continue to purchase today)," Lacson added.

Under its mandate, the NFA is tasked to maintain sufficient rice buffer stocks to be sourced mainly from local farmers.

The agency, for its part, said it is also mandated to keep and dispose of 99.9% of stocks in good and consumable condition.

It recently reported that it is set to procure 90 new trucks this year, in a bid to ensure that farmers, including those in remote areas, are given the opportunity to sell their produce to the agency.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the NFA would buy at least 300,000 metric tons of rice in 2025, while expressing optimism that the country will hit a record for palay production. — VDV, GMA Integrated News