DA requests NBI investigation of rice farmer incidents

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is asking the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into claims regarding incidents involving rice farmers in Nueva Ecija. These claims, spreading on social media, indicate that some farmers faced unfortunate situations due to falling prices of palay, a type of rice. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed worry about how these incidents have been portrayed by certain groups. He stated that these accounts do not match what law enforcement and the DA report, including testimonies from families affected. In a letter to the NBI, Tiu Laurel called for a thorough investigation to find the truth behind the issues affecting at least three rice farmers. He urged respect for the grieving families and promised support for them. Tiu Laurel noted the struggles of the National Food Authority (NFA) to purchase palay at prices of P18 per kilo for fresh harvests and P24 per kilo for clean, dry grains. Despite these price increases, he said the NFA has trouble buying enough rice due to budget constraints. He explained that the NFA has lost some of its powers, limiting its ability to manage rice supplies effectively. This situation allows traders to drive down palay prices, which recently fell to P14 per kilo. The secretary linked the price drop to changes in the global market. He mentioned that rice prices were high for over two years, influenced by a ban on non-basmati rice exports from India and rising global demand due to supply concerns from the El Niño weather phenomenon. Tiu Laurel called on lawmakers to pass new laws that would give the DA more authority to tackle these issues. He mentioned that the government is trying to protect farmers while still considering consumer needs. He also emphasized the need for the NFA to regain some of its powers to better influence market prices. Additionally, the NFA requires more resources to buy a significant portion of the palay supply. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson encouraged farmers in Regions I, II, and III to sell their rice directly to the agency, which has raised its purchasing price to P19 per kilo in those areas. The NFA has a goal of maintaining a 15-day rice buffer stock, which will require procuring 880,000 metric tons of palay.