29th July, 2014
Daily Global Rice E-Newsleter by Riceplus Magazine NFA mulls 500,000-MT add’l rice imports By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 30, 2014 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino government intends to increase imports of cheap rice to continuously drive down prices, but would also continue programs to strengthen the production capability of farmers, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan said late Monday.Pangilinan confirmed President Aquino‘s pronouncement during his fifth state of the nation address of a standby authority for the National Food Administration for the importation of an additional 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice for this year if needed. If exercised, the rice importation allowed by the standby authority would be made on top of the 800,000 MT imported early this year and the 500,000 MT programmed for open bidding next month.Pangilinan said the authority for additional importation – which was taken up during the last NFA council meeting held on July 22 – is valid for this year only.―The standby authority covers up to 500,000 MT but it may or may not be exercised. Assuming it is exercised, it may be less than the ceiling of 500,000 MT,‖ Pangilinan said.The additional rice importation may be carried out depending on supply conditions as affected by typhoons, the expected occurrence of a dry spell later this year, and the production level in the fourth quarter. Pangilinan assured, though, that the government is not abandoning its goal to attain self-sufficiency in rice and other food staples.―The decision to import is to address the current need to ensure steady supply and is not connected with our desire to attain self sufficiency. That goal will continue,‖ he said.President Aquino, in his State of the Nation address (SONA) Monday, acknowledged the prevalence of ―greedy rice hoarders‖ who stockpile supplies for release to the market when prices are high.―We will not let this pass. Perhaps they think they are being clever, but the govenrment‘s plan of action will prove the opposite. Our immediate solution: import more rice, supply it to the markets, reduce the prices and keep them at a reasonable level, and ultimately, drive those who took advantage of the Filipino people into financial ruin,‖ said Aquino.This move is expected to force rice hoaders to immediately release their stockpile.―To these hoarders, if a showdown is what you want, by all means, take on the government. Just remember: it only take six months before the stock you have hoarded in your warehouses begins to rot. When we flood the market with this imported rice, you will surely go bust,‖ said Aquino.The President said government employees suspected of collaborating with unscrupulous traders are now being investigated for the filing of appropriate charges.Aquino said that as the government cracks down on unscrupulous rice trading,
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