NFA allows private firms to import rice

The National Food Authority (NFA) has allowed the private sector to import 163,000 metric tons (MT) of rice.

In a memorandum circular, the NFA said all rice-based farmers organizations, other sectors and even individuals can import 98,000 MT of rice from Thailand; 25,000 MT from China; 25,000 MT from India; and 15,000 MT from Australia. The circular, however, did not specify the bidding date.

The NFA prefers that the imported rice be fortified with iron and that it should arrive in the country by August 31.

The NFA said those intending to import rice should first secure an import license from the grains agency.

The license will expire by the end of the year.

This rice import allocation for the private sector would bring total imports for 2010 to over 2.3 million MT, the same volume the country imported in 2008.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said the country had purchased enough rice from the global market to supply 2010 requirements.

Excluding the private sector allocation, total rice imports for 2010 have already reached about 2.2 million MT.

“That volume is already comfortable for the year,” Yap had said. The private sector imports would add to reserves.