Iloilo: The Iloilo Provincial Agriculturist Office is planning to expand the Rice Processing Complex in the Municipality of Pototan to assist farmers in storing their produce. Provincial Agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo has requested a budget to increase the complex's capacity from its current 7,000 bags to 10,000 bags.

According to Philippines News Agency, the complex is outfitted with post-harvest facilities, such as 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 stated during an interview on Wednesday. He advised farmers to continue planting and not be discouraged by lower buying prices, noting that it is common for prices to dip during harvest season when supply is plentiful, especially if post-harvest facilities like dryers are lacking.

Toledo also commented on the 60-day ban on rice importation, explaining that while it ensures farmers have buyers, it may also affect prices. Additionally, he highlighted that the National Food Authority (NFA) offers a higher procurement price for palay, with rates ranging from PHP17 to PHP23 per kg for wet or fresh palay, and from PHP23 to PHP30 per kilo for clean or dry palay.

Last year, the province produced over 800,000 metric tons of palay, and this year, the target has been set at one million metric tons or more.