The Government plans to expand the market for rice by encouraging manufacturers to use it in a wider range of products, reducing reliance on household consumption and creating new demand for paddy.
The Government has revoked a Gazette that previously restricted the use of rice for non-food manufacturing. The restriction remained in place when local production was insufficient to meet domestic demand.
According to the President, higher paddy production now allows rice to supply both household consumption and industrial use.
New Industries to Drive Demand
The Government plans to promote the use of rice in products such as animal feed, beer, wine, biscuits, cakes and other value-added food items.
The President said expanding industrial demand will create more buyers for paddy and reduce pressure on farmers during periods of surplus production.
He added that stronger competition among buyers should also help farmers receive fairer prices.
Research to Move into Commercial Production
Research institutions have already developed several rice-based food and beverage products.
The Government now plans to move those products from research laboratories into commercial production.
Officials believe commercializing these products will create new business opportunities while expanding the domestic market for rice.
Farmers Encouraged to Increase Production
The President urged farmers to improve productivity and increase cultivation to meet future industrial demand.
He said a larger market for rice could support both food security and value-added manufacturing while creating additional income opportunities for farmers.
The Government is expected to work with manufacturers and researchers to commercialise new rice-based products following the removal of the Gazette restriction.
Greater industrial demand could gradually reshape the country’s rice value chain if businesses invest in processing and product development.
Last modified: July 10, 2026
