The National Food Authority (NFA) in Ilocos Norte has assured the public of sufficient buffer stock of rice this rainy season, enough to last until the harvest season in October.

NFA-Ilocos Norte manager Jonathan Corpuz said in a phone interview Tuesday that residents have nothing to worry about as the agency still has about 50,000 50-kg. sacks of palay and 989 sacks of rice in NFA-designated warehouses in the province.

“The buffer stock will be sufficient just in time for the harvest season,” he said.

To date, the food agency has secured 71 percent of the total palay procurement target of 70,000 bags this year.

“Palay procurement is still ongoing at a price ceiling of PHP30 per kilo. Our buffer stock is sufficient as 71 percent of our annual target has been achieved and we are still heading for (the) main crop,” he said.

Corpuz said with the implementation of the Rice Tarrification Law, the current supply of NFA rice is reserved for the relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as local government units affected by calamities. (PNA)