The National Food Authority (NFA) will increase importation of rice this year for Davao Region due to the anticipated dry season brought on by El Nino.
NFA Davao manager Felimon Cangrejo said NFA has targeted to import 3.5 million sacks of rice this year, much higher than the 2.1-million target in 2009.
Cangrejo attributed the increase to the Philippine Armospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration’s (PAGASA) forecast of a continued dry season not just in Region 11 but throughout the country.
El Nino is characterized by drought in the western side of the Pacific, but increased rainfall in the eastern side.
Cangrejo said rice imports for Davao Region has already reached 224,000 sacks.
He said NFA has not monitored an abnormal hike in rice prices recently. The last was the 50-centavo increase it monitored in November to December last year.
Cangrejo also said NFA has so far not monitored rice hoarding.
In 2008, NFA cited six traders for violations of rules and regulations, such as non-display of license and labeling. [PNA]
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