SOLOMON ISLANDS, HIGHEST RICE CONSUMER IN THE REGION

Bags of rice being loaded onto a vessel. Photo credit: Solomon Times online.

Bags of rice being loaded onto a vessel. Photo credit: Solomon Times online.

Solomon Islands has become one of the highest rice consuming country in the region, with its current rice consumption standing at 100 kilograms of rice per person.

A Rice Consumption and Production assessment from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock reports, this clearly states – rice is currently one of the major staple diets for most Solomon Islanders.

It says since the consumers’ demand for rice continues to increase steadily, the Solomon Islands Government is obliged to support the development and production of the crop nationally for food security as well and for export substitution.

The country’s rice imports stood at approximately 51,888 tonnes at the end of 2013, 31percent higher than 2012 imported volumes of 39,467 tonnes.

In terms of value, rice import value amounted to around SBD$270 million at the end 2013 compared to SBD$222 million in 2012.

Recent information suggested there is forecast increase in the price of rice in the remaining months of this year, as the world price of rice continues to rise.

SIBC News understands, Solrais has recently announced its increase in rice prices.

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