Rice Shopping Transition Trend From Modern Retail To Traditional Market, Minister Of Agriculture: This Encourages The Economy

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman highlighted an interesting phenomenon related to the recent surge in rice sales in traditional markets. According to him, the change in people's spending patterns, which began to move from modern retail to traditional markets, should be welcomed positively.

This change in consumer behavior is thought to have been triggered by the finding of the quality of rice in modern retail that is not in accordance with quality standards. It is different when shopping in traditional markets, where they can see firsthand the quality of the rice offered.

"There is something interesting, an interesting phenomenon. We have just read from the media that sales in traditional markets have increased due to switching (from retail), because we can see the rice directly," Amran told reporters at the Ministry of Agriculture Office, Jakarta, Thursday, August 7.

Amran said, this trend is a great opportunity that must be observed and utilized, especially in the context of strengthening the people's economy. He saw an increase in buying and selling activities in traditional markets as a positive signal to the economic activity of small traders and local business actors.

"Well, this is an interesting phenomenon, very good. It's very good to be encouraged. Why? Encourage the people's economy, improve the economies of small traders. It's very interesting. It needs to be observed. That's good," he said.

Nevertheless, the Minister of Agriculture emphasized to the public not to worry about the rice circulating in modern retail. Although some findings suggest that there is a discrepancy between the quality of rice and price labels.

The Minister of Agriculture ensured that the rice was still safe for consumption. "But, it's all for consumption that's safe, good, it doesn't matter. It's just that the price is too high compared to the quality. Don't worry," he said.

He explained that the main issue is not on food safety, but on broken levels or the level of broken rice that exceeds quality standards.

"Actually, the rice in premium retail is only a matter of quality, the broken thing. So, I repeat again, if the medium is broken, it's 25 percent, if it's premium 15 percent. However, when we check, the broken thing is up to 40 percent, there's 50 percent broken, there's 30 percent, 35 percent, now that's what happened," said Amran.

Amran assessed that this discrepancy needs to be the concern of all parties, especially retail business actors so that people get food products that are in accordance with the set standards and prices.