Pawsan rice exported in minimal quantity to save for domestic consumption
According to U Ye Min Aung, President of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), Pawsan rice varieties, which are the most consumed domestically, are being exported in minimal quantities to ensure that domestic consumption levels are not impacted.
It is reported that currently, only one or two containers of Pawsan rice per month are being exported to foreign countries such as the United States and Japan to protect domestic consumption levels.
“When we look at domestic consumption patterns, Pawsan rice varieties are highly popular among consumers due to their superior quality and premium price. Although this group of rice is comparable to India’s Basmati rice in terms of quality and national branding, its export volume remains minimal. Most of the demand for Pawsan rice abroad comes from Myanmar expatriates living in countries like the United States and Singapore. However, logistical challenges make large-scale exports difficult. For instance, in Vietnam and Thailand, their top-quality rice varieties are not heavily consumed domestically, which allows them to export in significant quantities. In contrast, in Myanmar, rice varieties such as Htunpu, Ngasein, and Kayin Ma Hteiksaung, which have lower domestic consumption, are exported in larger quantities. These varieties are often used as raw materials for basic rice products in importer countries,” U Ye Min Aung stated.
He also noted that Pawsan rice, as a high-quality variety, holds significant potential in international markets. It is a variety that Myanmar should consider exporting in larger quantities over the long term to establish a strong presence in foreign markets.
In Myanmar, approximately 17.5 million acres of monsoon and summer paddy are cultivated annually, producing between 13-14 million metric tonnes of rice. After calculating domestic consumption and food security requirements, an average of about three million metric tonnes of surplus rice is exported each year. — ASH/TMT
