The Suriname government is considering the introduction of a rice export quota in a bid to prevent a possible shortage of local supplies of the country’s main staple, a government official there disclosed on Monday, a Caribbean Net News Suriname correspondent reported.
For the current season the export quota would be between 20,000 and 25,000 tons while the remainder of the crop would be for local supplies.
“We are not raising barriers for exporters, but a licence will be required in the near future to ensure an exact registration of what is being exported and what stays here for local consumption,” Agriculture Minister Kermechend Raghoebarsing was quoted as saying.
He said further that since prices on the world market are increasing, the ministries of Agriculture and Trade are in constant dialogue with the Association of Rice Exporters.
Meanwhile, Caribbean Net News said, the rice exporters have called on the authorities to indicate and establish quotas in order for them not to get into trouble after signing contracts with international buyers.
“They don’t want to sign contracts and ultimately are prevented from delivering due to export restrictions and are subject to claims of buyers,” the minister stated.
Additionally, the government will beef up security at the borders and intensify scrutiny by customs to prevent smuggling, Caribbean Net News reported.
“Given the current high prices it is imaginable that some individuals would be tempted to smuggle the product. The Customs Department and the police have been given specific orders and instructions to insure that illegal exports of rice do not take place,” the officials disclosed.
Meanwhile, the government is considering options to lower the price of rice for local consumers. Since January 2007 the price has nearly doubled to US$1 per kilogram.
Households and especially low-income families are reeling from soaring prices of food and the cost of living, and are calling on the government to address the issue.
In October 2005 the government stopped subsidies on fuel, which subsequently led to a continual price hike for goods and services, including bus fares. In order to offer some relief the government said it will establish a social safety net of US$20 million to assist the most affected groups in society.
While prices of consumer goods, commodities and raw materials on the international market are soaring, interested parties are urging the government to take urgent measures to assist entrepreneurs and investors to boost production in the country, Caribbean Net News added.
