Dry season rice prices to fall as farming expenditures double

Dry season rice prices to fall as farming expenditures double

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the price of dry rice may face a decline as prices of production and agricultural inputs doubled, such as fuel, fertilizers and pesticides.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on 11 January, “The dry season rice harvest will soon begin and farmers are concerned about the price of dry season rice, which could face a decline. Fuel, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, doubled as factories cut production and shipping costs rose.”

To participate in improving rice productivity, the Ministry implemented measures such as:

Departments of Agriculture in all provinces must continue to guide farmers as well as farming communities on rice production techniques to achieve high yields through the use of proper agricultural methods, reduce production costs and ensure quality rice in accordance with standards.

Provincial authorities should strive to liaise and facilitate local private sector rice mill owners to purchase farmers’ rice at affordable prices and facilitate more options for farmers to sell rice rather than sell it exclusively to traders.

The private sector, especially mill owners, should partner with authorities at all levels to facilitate direct contact with their local farming communities in direct rice sales and reach pre-contract production. Khmer Times