MYANMAR Rice Federation is coordinating with all stakeholders concerned in the distribution chain, including affiliated associations, depots, millers, companies, wholesalers, and retailers, to ensure affordable rice prices.

MRF stated that the federation has been steering the market to have price stability (especially for locally consumed rice varieties — Shwebo Pawsan, Ayeyawady Pawsan, and Aemahta) and curb market manipulation through public-private partnerships.

MRF has been distributing Shwebo Pawsan, Ayeyawady Pawsan, and Aemahta rice varieties at an affordable rate, according to its notification released on 25 June. The federation has been sorting out with retailers in Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw by setting a trading band at five per cent so that the price can fluctuate between these two specified upper and lower rates. The affordable rice scheme covers 58 shops in Yangon, 120 in Mandalay and 96 in Nay Pyi Taw.

At present, Wahdan and Bayintnaung wholesale centres in Yangon Region sell Pawsan rice and Aemahta rice with a two-bag quota for a household per month as per household registration.

This scheme is to stop reselling rice at exorbitantly high prices. The federation requested individuals to cooperate in this to stop price manipulation.

Additionally, the federation will arrange for social and religious institutions, government organizations, factories and restaurants to buy the rice at an affordable rate and at a reasonable portion. Furthermore, door-to-door service, Direct Delivery to Household (DDH), will commence on 1 July for households. Consumers can buy rice through Viber numbers 09 400067240, 09 400067250 and 09-400067260 and email sales@mrf.com.mm.

Rice millers, depot owners and traders from Ayeyawady, Bago and Sagaing regions can contact the MRF, Wahdan and Bayintnaung wholesale centres to sell their rice, which MRF will distribute to retailers at affordable rates.

Individuals can complain against those retailers, wholesalers, millers and depot owners who fail to sell the rice at reference prices issued on a monthly basis through Viber numbers and contact numbers, presenting proof. MRF reaffirmed that rice self-sufficiency exists, and the public and private sectors are urged to join hands to reduce the price and ensure price stability for consumers. The federation also invites suggestions and receives enquiries.

NN/EM

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