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Sunday, April 16, 2017
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BACOLOD City – Despite the reported low rice distribution in the first quarter of the year, the National Food Authority (NFA) assured consumers in Negros Occidental of a “positive market situation.”
The supply and price levels of rice remain stable, stressed Marianito Bejemino, manager of NFA-Negros Occidental.
Low demand for NFA rice means stable supply and price of commercial rice, he pointed out.
In January, NFA-Negros Occidental distributed 17,837 bags of rice, or 89 percent of the target 20,000 bags.
In February, only 37 percent of the target 30,000 bags was distributed, or only 11,086 bags.
NFA records further showed that last month, distribution reached only 17,335 bags or 58 percent of the target 30,000 bags.
Bejemino said the undistributed rice supply will be added to the province’s buffer stocks.
Recent harvests led to the steady supply of commercial rice in Negros Occidental augmented by stocks from other provinces, he added.
Still, Bejemino said an increase in the demand for NFA rice is expected during the lean months from June to August, which can increase the rice distribution level of NFA-Negros Occidental.
“We want to ensure sufficient buffer stocks, and also strengthen the operation of our NFA rice outlets,” said Bejemino.
NFA was making sure its rice, which cost P27 per kilogram, would be available to maintain a competitive price in the market, he stressed.
With about 2.33 million bags of rice inventory in Negros Occidental as of middle of last week, Bejemino said the province was in a comfortable level, which means sufficient rice supply. (PNA/PN)
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