INCREASE OF PALAY SELLING PRICE HELPS FARMERS

   Mrs. Luz Valencia, a farmer from Palihan, Hermosa, Bataan happily reported that the ninety (90) bags of palay they were able to sell for more or less P97,000.00 was a big help to her and her family, especially now that enrolment time for students is fast approaching.

   According to Mr. Conrado Sebastian, President of Bataan Grains Retailers Association and also a farmer from the town of Dinalupihan, his fellow farmers are pleased with the current buying price of palay because of the increase in their income unlike the previous years when farmers were lucky enough if they were able to break even their income upon harvest and their expenses during planting season.

   He also added that because of the high buying price, farmers are encouraged to plant more palay, which ensures that more than enough supply of palay and rice will be available in the market in the coming months.

   Mrs. Maribeth M. Magcaling, NFA-Bataan Provincial Operations Officer cites the private rice traders’ goal to replenish their stocks, which were depleted during the surge of typhoons that hit the country last year as one of the reasons for the increase in palay price. Their desire to procure more, results to a stiffer competition among them, thus benefiting local farmers. She also added that good quality of newly harvested palay this season also contributes to the traders’ willingness to procure palay at a higher price. Add to this the government’s strict regulation on rice importation.

   The National Food Authority admits that this increase in the price of palay, although beneficial to local farmers, results in higher price of rice in the market. Because of this, the agency is strictly monitoring and ensuring the availability of NFA rice in all public markets in the province. The agency assures that the public can avail of low-priced, good quality rice at all times.

                                                                                                                    COCO P. REYES
                                                                                                                      Acting PIO

Approved for Press Release:
ADELAIDA C. NUESTRO
Provincial Manager