Rice export policy in the works
A policy to explore foreign rice markets and to ensure the product quality is currently in the pipeline, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
“We’ve just started drawing it. The team responsible for this was formed very recently. It’s a trade-related policy. The Export Strategy (NES) focuses particularly on exports. But the rice policy comprises manufacturing processes as well. In addition, we will prioritise drawing a rice export policy,” said Dr Maung Aung, an advisor to the ministry.
These policies are meant to make rice exporting more consistent and to maintain the quality of Myanmar rice exports.
Ministry officials are working under the guidance of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) and other relevant organisations.
Dr Min Aung, a senior advisor at the MRF, urged the quick drafting process.
“Some procedures in rice industry need to be relaxed. Rice merchants face difficulties, like losing market demand. On the other hand, the farmers also struggle with price drops and quality control problems. I advised the government to draw a policy that can relieve the anxieties of both farmers and merchants,” Dr Min Aung suggested.
As agriculture is the central pillar of Myanmar’s export economy, a policy that solves all the challenges such as growing local consumption, swelling foreign exports, quality assurance and maintaining a sustainable paddy industry is urgently needed.
“Domestic consumption is the first priority. The livelihoods of farmers, merchants and each and every individual involved in the rice business is the second-most important point,” said Tin Htut Oo, a presidential economic advisor.
The supply chain from the paddy field to the platter should be consistent under a policy, the presidential advisor said.
“But such a policy is not available yet.”
The NES, which is meant to enhance the quality and quantity of exports, is set to be released late this year. It allocates rice, beans, fishery products, wood-based materials and garments as the country’s highest potential export products.
“The [rice] policy is currently being drafted. It is important and also related to the export strategy. Besides export process, domestic consumption and prices are also needed to be considered. It takes a well-built policy to make sure the whole supply chain grows strong,” said Win Myint, the director of Department of Trade Promotion under the Commerce Ministry.
