DA Gets Shocked Over Reports of Farmers’ Demise Due to Low Rice Prices
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has called for investigation over reports of three farmers who dies due to low rice prices.
The Agriculture Department calls on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into social media posts claiming that three farmers in Nueva Ecija have taken their own lives due to the continuous drop in palay prices.
In a letter sent to the NBI on Monday, Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel requested a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind these allegations. The department hopes that the findings will clarify the situation and provide accurate information to the public.
At the same time, Laurel highlighted the challenges faced by the National Food Authority (NFA) in stabilizing palay prices. The NFA currently buys palay at P18 per kilo for freshly harvested grains and P24 per kilo for clean and dry grains.
However, its limited authority makes it difficult to control market prices effectively. As a result, traders have the freedom to lower the buying price, leading to farmgate prices dropping to as low as P14 per kilo.
The DA also pointed out that the decline in local palay prices is closely linked to the global market. External factors such as import policies and international trade dynamics affect local pricing, making it harder for farmers to secure fair rates for their crops.
As discussions continue, the DA remains committed to finding solutions that will help farmers cope with the unstable market conditions. The agency aims to strengthen policies that will protect local farmers and ensure fair pricing for their produce.
Meanwhile, authorities await the NBI’s findings to clarify the reports circulating on social media.
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