Ayeyarwady Paddy Fields Flooded, Rice Prices Rise Further as Ayeyarwady Paw San Hits K520,000 per 100 Baskets

In the Ayeyarwady Region rice market, rice prices have risen by 5,000 to 15,000 kyats per bag, and paddy prices by 100,000 to 500,000 kyats per 100 baskets during late August, according to rice traders.

The rise in rice prices is attributed to flooding damage to monsoon paddy fields, dwindling paddy stocks on the ground, and increased buying demand from Yangon-based purchasers, they said.

Normally, Yangon buyers start purchasing and stockpiling paddy around October, but this year, due to potential flooding conditions, they have been making advance purchases since August, it is understood.

According to August 26 prices, Ayeyarwady Paw San (Pathein) rice is priced between 175,000 and 180,000 kyats per bag, while Ayeyarwady Paw San paddy is up to 5.2 million kyats per 100 baskets. Ninety-day paddy is priced at 3 million kyats per 100 baskets, GW11 paddy at 2.5 million kyats, and Thukha paddy at up to 2.7 million kyats, it is reported.

Compared to August 13 prices, rice prices have increased by 5,000 to 15,000 kyats per bag, and paddy prices by 100,000 to 500,000 kyats per 100 baskets, it is said.

Currently, monsoon paddy fields in Ayeyarwady Region's Lay Myet Hnar, Nga Thaing Chaung, Kyonpyaw, Yekyi, Kyaunggon, and Hinthada townships have suffered flooding damage, it is reported.