MYANMAR Rice Federation (MRF) has been endeavouring to place Pawsan Rice varieties with modern packaging in the external markets, said U Ye Min Aung, President of MRF.

Myanmar Pawsan Rice Foundation was organized to export Pawsan rice varieties to foreign trade partners.

“Myanmar Pawsan Rice Founda­tion was formed as one community including growers, rice millers and traders. Premium-quality Pawsan Rice (fragrant rice) will be delivered to international markets with the right price and right product,” said U Ye Min Aung.

The origin of Myanmar’s Pawsan Rice is Myaungmya Township, Ay­eyawady. Pawsan rice varieties were sent to the Shwebo area, Sagaing Re­gion, from Kyauktan Township, Yangon, in the 1997-1998 financial year. Shwe­bo Pawsan rice variety has become popular for its premium quality from experimental cultivation.

Pawsan rice, also known as pearl rice, is a premium quality fragrant rice from Myanmar that won the World’s Best Rice award at the World Rice Conference in 2011. Shwebo Pawsan has already achieved geographical in­dication registration. Myanmar pre­mium-quality Pawsan is mainly pur­chased by China, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh and European countries (Italy, Germany and France). It is also demanded by South Africa, Nigeria and the US. — ASH/KK