Agriculture Minister Limber Cruz told Listín Diario that he did not know the reason for the comments in the retail trade that rice would reach the population at US $ 40 per pound if the government did not subsidize the agricultural sector.
Responding to concerns in the media about what the representatives of the Dominican Retail Federation (Fedepro) and the Retail Business Front (Fremco) said on Wednesday, Cruz rejected the allegations and said that the population is not “maybe” keep scaring him “.
“He talks about RD 40 USD for the population. Where do I get this? There is a lot of rice here and it is a stable sector. Today we just left a meeting in which everything was clear, with inventory and it is said that it will be the best harvest in the last 10 years “, the official added after meeting in Bonao with the main representatives of the entities that group the producers. and grain factories.
During this meeting, Cruz assured that rice prices will remain unchanged, as the country is able to supply local markets and keep the sector stable.
The minister added that despite the increases in international inputs used in food processing and production, people can be reassured as the government is already planning the rice planting season for this year.
However, on Wednesday, at a press conference, retail headlines warned of the growth of rice in grocery stores, although these remarks to the government were already made in grocery stores since after a rise in Listín Diario, there are already some of these companies that sell a pound of rice for between $ 30 and $ 45, depending on the quality of the agricultural product.
Yesterday, the agriculture minister also told this environment that the grain will be sold for RD $ 23 through an agreement with producers.
Listin Diario’s question when he called several grocery stores was “How’s the rice?” When asked if there was a cheaper one, the comment was “yes, at RD $ 30 and RD $ 35 per pound from the cheapest.
A few months ago, a pound of rice was sold for $ 20 to $ 25 RD, some better quality was offered for $ 30 RD.
Retailer orders
Fremco President Agustín Peñaló suggested that the authorities exempt customs duties on imports of raw materials for finished products such as rice, green beans, garlic, onions and potatoes, among others, so that they can reach consumers cheaper.
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Situation
To ensure food security and competitive market prices, the sector has 1,200,000 crop loads, which produce 12 million quintals a year, according to the agriculture minister.
Economy
According to Limber Cruz, the production involves 30,000 producers who provide over 800,000 direct and indirect jobs.