The National Food Authority (NFA) launched a pilot test of a 1-tonner palay bagging system in select warehouses nationwide, aiming to reduce storage costs, improve grain preservation, and increase warehousing capacity by up to 30 percent.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, said the initiative is part of efforts to modernize NFA operations with minimal government spending. “By maximizing existing warehouse space, we can procure more palay and help reduce post-harvest losses,” he said.
The pilot will initially roll out in at least three warehouses and align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda for a more efficient and food-secure agricultural sector.
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the airtight 1-ton bags not only cut transport and labor costs but also better protect grains from moisture, pests, and heat. The system also simplifies pest control and segregation of grain types.
Lacson noted the NFA spends about ₱15 per printed sack, plus labor costs, which could be significantly reduced under the new system. With over 300 warehouses nationwide, the technology could lead to widespread operational savings and faster returns on investment if proven viable for expansion.
