By Nyein Nyein
A total of 321,771 bags (108 pounds per bag) from reserved rice have been sold between 10 July and 26 October 2020, according to Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF). Of them, Yangon Region had the biggest purchase with 69,207 bags, followed by Mandalay Region with 17,833 bags.
Additionally, 14,120 bags are sold in Taninthayi Region, while 8,400 in Nay Pyi Taw, 4,400 in Mon State, 2,000 each in Chin and Kayah states, 1,500 in Bago Region, 800 in Magway Region, 700 in Ayeyawady Region and 500 in Sagaing Region.
As of 26 October, MRF will sell up to 1 million bags of reserved rice, and 321,771 bags have been already sold. About 678,229 bags are left to sell, MRF data showed. MRF purchased the rice bags at K22,400 per pack from the Consumer Affairs Department and to pay the storage charges. The federation sells the low-quality rice to the registered retailers at K22,800 per 108-pound bag at the warehouses. The retailers in Yangon Region can also buy them at K23,200 per pack through the delivery system during the stay-at-home period, with a minimum order of 10 bags per batch, MRF stated.
It is the government’s move to sell the rice at K1,000 per pyi (2.13 kg) which is much fairer price than the prevailing market price. MRF is supporting the government’s plan with non-profit, the federation reported.
Those reserved rice of low quality is also planned to sell at K22,800 per 108-pound bag to the registered retail shops in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, with the maximum 200 bags per batch. The shops must resell the rice to the consumers not exceeding K1,000-1,100 per pyi (2.3 kg) depending on the regions.
Additionally, other high-quality rice varieties (Shwebo Pawsan, Ayeyawady Pawsan) will be offered at a reasonable price for the retailers.
Regarding the rice purchase at a fairer price, those interested retailers and factories can contact through mobile numbers at 09-694386994/5 of MRF, 09-696969149, 09-5007307,09-5123414 of Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders Association, 09-5139390, 09-796838309 of Wahdan rice depot and 09-5102577 of Bayintnaung rice depot. The Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar Inspection and Testing Service (MITS), the authorized organization of the State and MRF implemented rice reserve scheme on 30 April.
The state’s emergency rice reserve is to ensure food security, keep the price stable in the domestic market, continue to export them regularly and lessen the worries of the consumers during the COVID-19.
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
