Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - A total of 14 special rice types of local varieties in West Sumatra which released by Ministry of Agriculture do not have to follow the Highest Retail Price (HET) of the government, Head of West Sumatra Agricultural Service, Candra stated.
"On subsection 8 of Minister of Trade Regulation Numb. 57/M-DAG/PER/8/2017 states that the provision is exempted for special rice issued by Ministry of Agriculture," he said in here, on Friday (May 18).
This type of free HET rice is reinforced by West Sumatra Governor Decree Numb.521.1-346-2018 which is concerning Special Rice Determination with Geographical Indication Rice Requirements for local varieties of West Sumatra on April 30, 2018.
Those rice includes 13 kinds of local varieties special rice and one type of IG rice.
The rice are anak daro from Solok Municipality, saganggam panuah from Padang Panjang and gadang rumpun rice from Sawahlunto.
Then, Kuriak Kusuik rice and ampek angkek rice from Agam District, Junjuang rice from Limapuluh Kota, ceredek merah, siarang and harum rice from Solok District.
Besides, there are sigudang rice which is gogo rice type from West Pasaman, Bawaan rice from South Pesisir, lampai kuning rice from Sijunjung, and bujang merantau rice.
Last, solok rice that has been registered as IG to Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.
"Merchants do not have to worry about selling these 14 types of rice on HET because they are legal," Candra noted.
He hoped it can also be felt by the farmers because the price of buying at lower levels can increase.
Meanwhile, cooperation between West Sumatra Provincial Government and the neighboring provinces to fulfill the needs of rice will also use 14 types of rice that the price can be adjusted.
Based on Regulation of Minister of Trade Numb.57/M-DAG/PER/8/2017, the HET of medium rice is set at Rp9,950 per kilogram and premium at Rp13,800 per kilogram. (cha)