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W Kalimantan`S Bulog to Conduct Rice Market Operations

BULOG of West Kalimantan regional division is ready to conduct rice market operations in the province following rice price hikes.

Local BULOG spokesman M Hasyim said here on Wednesday that the rice stock in West Kalimantan store houses was only 18,000 tons and therefore he found market operation was necessary.

"Some 5000 tons of rice will arrive in the near future to make the total stock of 23,000 tons, and it will be enough for next four month," Hasyim said.

He admitted that rice price hikes did happen in West Kalimantan, but the highest rise was for premium quality rice, while for medium quality the rise was not so significant.

Therefore he expressed hope that the local people should not panic about the rice price hikes because the stock in ware houses was relatively secure.

Meanwhile, West Kalimantan vice Governor Christiandry Sajaya has warned the rice traders against making use of present situation by arbitrarily raising the rice prices.

"Do not act as speculators but be the part of development policy," Christiandry Sanjaya said.

He said Ramadan holy month was getting nearer and therefore the availability of the local people`s basic necessity should be ensured.

"BULOG, Agriculture Office, and Trade and Industry Office should sit at one table to discuss the way how to anticipate the matter," Christiandy Sanjaya said. (O001/A/HAJM/16:35/f001). (eB)
Source: Antara