The Iloilo Provincial Agriculturist Office is eyeing the expansion of the Rice Processing Complex in the Municipality of Pototan to help farmers store their produce.

Provincial Agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo said he has requested a budget to expand its capacity to 10,000 bags, from its current capacity of around 7,000 bags.

The complex is equipped with post-harvest facilities, like drying facilities, to help maintain the quality of palay (unhusked rice).

“Farmers can store their produce in the complex while supply is abundant and sell it during lean months,” Toledo said in an interview on Wednesday.

He advised farmers to just continue planting and not be discouraged by the lower buying price.

He said it is normal that during harvest season, when supply is abundant, the price is low, especially if they lack post-harvest facilities, like a dryer.

The 60-day ban on rice importation, while favorable to them because they have sure buyers, will also impact the prices, he said.

Additionally, the provincial agriculturist said the National Food Authority procures palay at a higher price.

The NFA buying price ranges from PHP17 to PHP23 per kg. for wet or fresh palay, and from PHP23 to PHP30 per kilo for clean or dry palay.

The province produced more than 800,000 metric tons of palay last year. This year, the target is one million metric tons or more. (PNA)