The National Association of Rice Millers (Analmo) has formally recommended the import of 1.5 million hundredweight of paddy rice. This measure, equivalent to two months of national consumption, aims to ensure a smooth transition until the next harvest and allow the necessary rest time in silos to guarantee the quality demanded by Panamanian consumers. Ivanna Quintero, president of Analmo, emphasized that despite international market volatility, the absolute priority must be ensuring the country's food security. This recommendation was presented during the Ordinary Meeting of the Rice Agri-Food Chain Committee. Analysis of inventory and projections showed that while supply could normally last until October, there are risk factors in estimated yields and a real increase in consumption due to population growth over the last decade, necessitating precautionary measures. The association's request is based on data projecting the depletion of national inventories sooner than originally planned. The organization urges authorities to make a timely decision that respects current executive decrees. According to the report, there are 4,896,910 hundredweight available in mills and businesses.
