NFA PROVINCIAL Manager Harold Ybañez clarified earlier reports that the province of Zamboanga del Sur is experiencing rice shortage after the price of commercial rice in the market has climbed up to a record high of P37.00 per kilo.

In an interview, Ybañez said the province has ample supply of rice even if we are on the so-called lean months. The expensive farm input and the high price of oil are the main contributing factors why we suffered price crisis.

Ybañez also said that the price crisis is temporary and after the month of May or early part of June the sky-rocketing price of commercial rice will go down to its normal price in the market.

He called on the people not to panic and to stay calm since NFA has the stocks if ever worse comes to worse or the scarcity of rice will reach to its peak.

On the other hand, striker rice buyers (kumpradors) coming from other provinces also contribute to the price crisis in Zamboanga del Sur, according to the evaluation and assessment of Charles Arbas, agricultural technician in the City of Pagadian.

He said that striker rice buyers offer an enticing price forcing the rice suppliers to sell it to them instead of selling to local rice wholesalers.
Arbas appealed to the NFA to increase their buying price so that the farmers will not patronize outside wholesalers.

The Department of Agriculture has called on the farmers to use organic fertilizers so as to cut their expenses on farm inputs.

Provincial Agriculturist Marilyn Bersales said that the province has long been introducing bio-organic fertilizers to minimize expenses but it seems most farmers have ignored the idea.

As a result the local farmers have been tied to debts and they themselves have suffered the crisis.

Last update : 23-04-2008 16:17

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