The provincial government of Nueva Ecija is planning to procure onions from local farmers as part of its continuing effort to help the agricultural sector.

Governor Aurelio Umali on Monday said he will meet with the members of the Provincial Food Council (PFC) to create guidelines on the implementation of the onion procurement program.

Umali said the PFC will immediately start the procurement of onions upon the completion of the construction of another cold storage facility in the Science City of Muñoz.

“Aside from rice, the PFC is also looking into the plight of onions farmers,” the governor said in a radio program.

At present, the PFC is implementing a rice procurement program to help ease the effect of the rice tariffication law on local farmers.

The council procures palay from local farmers at a price higher than the prevailing rate in private trading.

Aside from offering higher palay prices, the PFC also lends farm equipment to farmers and extends other forms of livelihood support.

The Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magsisibuyas ng Nueva Ecija (KASAMNE) is upbeat about the plan of the provincial government.

“Malaking bagay itong planong programa kung maisasakatuparan dahil mayroon na kaming malalapitan upang mabili ang aming ani sa mas mataas na presyo (This planned program is a something for us if implemented because there is the council that will buy our harvests at higher prices),” KASAMNE vice president Eric Alvarez said. (PNA)