NFA to import rice only as last recourse – DA -

Allowing the National Food Authority to import rice is a last option for the government, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday amid opposition from farmers' groups to return the NFA's power to source the staple outside the country.

- BELLA CARIASO

Arnel de Mesa, spokesman for the DA, said the NFA would only be authorized to import rice when necessity arises.

"It will only be allowed (to import rice) as a last recourse. It can also buy rice if there is shortage and during extraordinary events," De Mesa said.

Groups have opposed the move to allow the NFA to import rice.

Farmers' group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) chairman Rosendo So said there is no need to give the NFA additional powers.

Rice watchdog group Bantay Bigas spokesperson Cathy Estavillo said the government should instead provide more budget to the NFA to buy more palay and sell it to the markets.

But De Mesa said the NFA would only be allowed to import rice upon the recommendation of different committees and approval of the DA secretary.