Govt urges officials to find ways to reduce impact of regional crop prices on farmers

November 9, 2016

Vice President U Henry Van Thio, who leads the Committee for Protection and Promotion of the Interests of Farmers, addressed the Coordination Meeting for Reduction of Impact of Regional Crops Prices yesterday.

The vice president said paddy prices in major rice production regions in Myanmar such as Ayeyawaddy Region, Bago Region, Yangon Region, Sagaing Region and Rakhine State tend to fall during harvest time in November and December every year, when the supply is higher than demand in the market.

To address such a situation, Agricultural Produce Management Committee and State/Region Rice Purchase Supervisory Committees have been formed in accordance with the law, the vice president said.

He urged officials of the committees to set up paddy purchase centres in paddy storage facilities or rice mills before transporting, storing, processing and distribution.

In conclusion, he urged officials to find ways and means to recude the impacts of crops prices on farmers.
Union Minister for Commerce Dr Than Myint, Union Minister Dr Aung Thu and officials and Myanmar Rice Merchants Association reported on rice exports, rising costs for rice farming, shortages of farm labour and relaxation of rules for merchants so that they can raise demand.

The meeting concluded with remarks by the vice president.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar