Rice producers demand purchase of husked rice at established production price
Growers say an 8-denar/kg government top-up is insufficient after a season of much lower yields.
Rice growers in the Kočani region are asking that husked rice be bought at a fixed production price, saying a recent government top-up is insufficient to cover their losses after a poor season.
More than 80 percent of rice fields in the Kočani area have already been harvested, growers say. The Government of North Macedonia informed producers today that they will receive an additional 8 denars per kilogram for delivered rice husks covering the period from 1 September last year to 15 September this year.
Farmers responded that the one-off supplement will not keep their businesses afloat and demanded a guaranteed purchase price that covers costs and allows for seed reproduction next year. As one grower put it: "If I say more, I'll be wrong, because thanks for that, but it doesn't save us. Only a real price can save us, a price that covers the cost per kilo of husked rice and for reproduction for next year so we can decide whether to sow or not. This measure of 8 denars? – That's too little, madam. The crop we harvested now is in the barns, no one has taken a kilo."
Producers additionally reported sharply reduced yields this season. "The harvest is very poor, very poor. There aren't 300–350. Yes, it's very poor," they said.
Government: funding secured, buyers warned
The Government said the funds for the additional measure will come from the intervention fund of the relevant ministry and from a budget rebalance, and it urged rice purchasers to act fairly towards producers. Authorities warned that buyers who do not behave fairly will face strict penalties. This year rice was harvested on roughly 4,000 hectares.
Viktorija Jovanova
Photo: press material from the event
