Farmers can sell their palay directly to the National Food Authority (NFA) for better prices, Malacañang announced on Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro belied reports that rice importation has been depressing domestic palay prices.

In a press briefing, Castro said farmers should coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) to bring these to the NFA buying station.

Citing records from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Castro said the country has recently experienced low rice imports, and local traders may influence current play prices.

Castro also stated that the DA addresses farmers’ concerns about the lack of transport for hauling palay, noting that the agency procures transport vehicles.

The DA is currently conducting a bidding process, and once the trucks are available, farmers will be able to sell palay directly to the NFA, she said. | PND