Burma will export 100,000 tons of rice in 2013, says MRF

The Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) has forecasted the country will export up to 100,000 tons of rice in 2013.

“Two thousand tons of dry rice is sent to Russia every month,” said the MRF’s Myo Thura Aye. “We plan to set up 10 more rice mills so that next year the total amount of exports will be 80,000 to 100,000 tons.”

There are currently five rice mills working in Burma: two in Bogalay Township; one in Wakema Township; one in Einme Township; and one in Kyaiklat Township. Each rice mill is able to produce 50 tons of dry rice per day.

“The new mills are to be constructed in Bogalay, Wakema and Kyopyinkout townships. There will also be one which can produce up to 200 tons per day, which will be built in

Pathein Township,” the MRF’s General Secretary Thaung Win told Mizzima in August.

Rice production projects are also being planned in Kyaiklat, Zee Gone, Natthalin, Kyonepyaw and Rakhine State.

“The quality of our rice can now compete in international markets,” said Dr. Soe Naing from the MRF. “We currently only export to Russia. We must plan to expand to other markets. Myanmar rice is more valuable than that of India and Pakistan. But it is lower in price than Thai rice.”

Rice from Thailand sells at $560- $570 per ton, Burmese rice for $500-$510 per ton, Pakistan at $440-$450, and India just $430-$440 a ton.
source: Mizzima
http://www.mizzima.com/business/8511-burma-will-export-100000-tons-of-rice-in-2013-says-mrf.html