The Brazilian government expects the prices of popular foodstuffs such as rice to fall by the end of March to mid-April. This is reported by
Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.

The forecast was made by cabinet officials during a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The cabinet emphasised that the downward trend in prices was the result of an accelerated harvest.

Earlier, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which accounts for about 85 per cent of the national rice production, was hit by flooding that affected crop plantings. However, according to the country’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Favaro, rice prices have already been reduced, from R$120 (US$24) to R$100 (US$20) per bag. This scenario is expected to consolidate as the harvest progresses.

The Brazilian Minister of Agricultural Development, Paulo Teixeira, emphasised the need to ensure affordable prices for the food that reaches the table of the country’s population. In addition, the new Harvest Plan discussed measures to stimulate the production of staple crops such as rice, beans, wheat and maize.

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