(Eagle News)– A coalition of industry groups is opposing the proposed dismantling of the National Food Authority despite its alleged failure to stabilize the prices of rice in the market.
In a joint statement, the National Farmer Federation, Katipunan ng Bagong Pilipina, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan, Pangisda, Amma-K, Makabayan, Aktib, Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid, Integrated Rural Development Foundation and the Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas said those who make the proposal “under a post-QR regime will only help the private sector take over the country’s rice importation.”
“Policymakers who see the increases in rice prices as an opportunity to dismantle the NFA is barking at the wrong tree and maybe penalizing the farmers and poor consumers in the end,” they said.
Instead, they said there should be a revision of the functions of the agency, and an inquiry to determine who were responsible for the hoarding of commercial rice.
They added the agency’s buying price for palay should be hiked to at least P20 a kilo.
The current price is P17 per kilo.
A House committee is holding hearings to look into the illegal practices in the rice industry.
On Tuesday, 13 rice traders who allegedly controlled the prices of rice in Metro Manila were were identified.
They have been summoned to the next hearing.