Increase in demand leads to higher paddy price in Ayeyawady RegionIn Ayeyawady Region which is the main rice producer of Myanmar, paddydemand has been on the rise in this early monsoon season, resulting in surge inprice, said Ayeyawady Region Rice Millers Association chairman U Soe win.Price varies depending on the market situation and currently, demand hasincreased again, he said.Paddy price has slightly risen back in Ayeyawady Region. At present, priceof lowest-grade paddy is nearing to K1.9-K2 million for 100 baskets weighs 50pounds. It is because of high demand, not concern the paddy production. The pricevaries depending on the market demand,” he said.In the region, more than 3.7 million acres of rain-fed paddy and more than1.4 million acres of summer paddy have been planted, and ploughing and seedlinghave been already made and farming will start around the end of June, according toresidents.

Daily labour charge is K7000-K8000 and it costs about K700,000-K800,000to grow paddy per acre, including labour charges.Ayeyawady is a region which grows paddy mainly and its production can provide the domestic food security and even export to overseas countries as well asother regions and states of Myanmar.