Rice monopoly will compromise food security

 ROBERT Lutele’s letter about  the  monopoly on rice importation will compromise food security has compelled me to provide some insight to support the argument (Dec 13).

I would like to suggest that giving monopoly in any business does not allow the consumers and the country the freedom to negotiate for fair and reasonable price at the quality demanded by the consumers.

In  PNG,  we   are  consuming  Japonica  rice that is grown in the temperate climate of the countries like Australia, USA and Northern Thailand. 

Japonica rice is glutinous, sticky and soft and is preferred by consumers. 

Consumer preference to Japonica rice has shown to restrict the distribution of locally-grown rice to institutions only in the 1960s and 1970s from  the Maprik rice project in East Sepik. 

Any new entry to the importation and distribution of imported rice will have to undergo a learning curve to manage the supply chain and maintain fair price and supply quality rice. 

This country does not have a national food security programme which would have analysed rice production and supply in a broader perspective of economy management and distribution  of  benefits among the majority as factors contributing to food security. 

Without the programme, it is difficult to assess the development rice programme in the context of the programmes, sub-programmes and projects through which the national food security would be attained. 

Therefore, the awarding of monopoly on rice importation to a single investor is not in the best interest of the country, its people and the economy.

Giving monopoly to a single investor will compromise food security and breach the international agreement with the food and agriculture organisation.

We should maintain the open and free market for rice importation so that the consumers can purchase rice at a competitive price and the quality demanded.

 I  was  telling my Wan Pes (Apo) from Okey village, that this could be an opportunity for us to dam the Kotuni creek and use the water to irrigate part of Asaro valley and encourage the Chinese to partner with us and produce Japonica rice and can compete with Naima. 

Then we can export to Bali because Air Niugini goes there weekly.

Joseph S Wohuinangu, Via email