Myanmar is now joining India in curbing white rice exports. Trade sources said Myanmar will begin curbing white rice exports from September 1. “The curbs will continue for 45-60 days until the government there is convinced that the cereal’s prices will stabilise,” the sources said.
Myanmar, which accounts for two million tonnes (mt) of white rice exports in the global market, has seen demand increase for its rice after India banned white rice exports on July 20. The curbs are seen as measures to control rising food prices and ensure domestic food security like India has done by banning white rice and wheat exports.
The neighbouring country exported 0.32 mt of white rice between April and July this year, a significant rise historically. This resulted in domestic prices increasing, another reason for the junta to curb shipments.
Local reports said domestic prices of common rice have more than doubled due to lower production in 2022 and difficulties in transportation. The Food and Agricultural Organisation, an arm of the UN, said Myanmar’s rice production declined by eight per cent in 2022.
One of the reasons is that Myanmar’s key paddy-growing regions of Sagaing and Magway — the third and fifth largest producers — are witnessing armed conflicts. This has resulted in many farmers getting internally displaced and they have been unable to return to work on their paddy fields due to fear of landmines and the military troops in some areas.
