MANILA, Philippines — Big news for Filipino farmers!
The National Food Authority (NFA), the group that helps buy rice from farmers, said it might limit the amount of palay (unmilled rice) it buys from each farmer to just 100 bags per planting season.
That’s like saying, “We’ll only buy this much from you, no more—for now.”
😕 Wait, why the limit?
NFA boss Larry Lacson explained the reason on a TV interview.
Right now, some farmers—especially those with lots of land—are selling more than 100 bags of palay to NFA each season. But what about the smaller farmers?
“We want to help more farmers, not just the big ones,” Lacson said.
“If we limit the buying to 100 bags per farmer, maybe 2 or 3 farmers can benefit instead of just one.”
The goal? Fairness for everyone, especially the smaller farmers who also need help.
🧾 New rule: See what’s happening with your rice
To make sure everything is honest and clear, NFA said it will set up tables inside their warehouses. Farmers can now watch their rice transactions and make sure they get fair deals.
That means no more guesswork or confusion when they sell their harvest.
⚖️ NFA says: We need more power to help better
Lacson also said the NFA is asking lawmakers to bring back its old powers—like being able to control prices and step in when rice becomes too expensive.
Right now, NFA can’t do much when rice prices suddenly go up.
“If we get our full powers back, we can help both the farmers and the people buying rice, and make sure prices don’t go crazy,” Lacson explained.
He said this would help the country have:
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More stable rice prices
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Stronger food security
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Better protection for both farmers and consumers
😟 But what about the big farmers?
Some people are now wondering:
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Will big farmers feel left out or cheated?
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Will this limit hurt those who grow a lot of rice?
Others say it’s a fair move, because it gives everyone a chance, not just those with bigger fields.
🧐 What happens next?
The plan is still under discussion. The NFA hasn’t officially started the 100-bag limit yet, but they’re thinking seriously about it.
And they’re waiting to see if lawmakers will agree to restore the NFA’s full powers, so the agency can do more than just sit and watch when problems hit the rice market.
🧑🌾 One thing’s clear…
Whether you’re a big-time farmer or a small rice grower, everyone is watching what the NFA will do next—and how it will affect the price of the most important food in every Filipino home: RICE. 🍚🇵🇭
