Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the State Trading Corporation that the monthly consumption of long grain white rice amounts to 1,650 metric tons in Mauritius and 400 metric tons in Rodrigues. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that for the period of 01 November 2025 to January 2026, the buying prices of long grain white rice per metric ton on a cost and freight basis were as follows – • the price of long grain white rice in 25 kg bags is 398 USD per metric ton, while that in 5 kg bags is 428 USD per metric ton. This is an average equivalent to Rs26.22 per kilogram resulting in an estimated subsidy of Rs380 million for the period July 2025 to June 2026 based on a total estimated quantity of 25,000 metric ton over this period. • The maximum retail price for 500 grams is Rs5.40; • 2.5 kilo is Rs28; • 5 kg is Rs56, and • 25 kg is Rs270. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am further informed by the STC that the current stock for Mauritius is 3,511 metric ton which represents 70 days consumption as at 18 May 2026. The stock of long grain white rice for Rodrigues as at 18 May 2026 was 565 metric tons representing 45 days consumption. A next shipment of 200 metric tons of long grain white rice is expected to reach Rodrigues around 11 June 2026. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regards to part (b)(i), I am given to understand that the long grain white rice procured by STC is stored in Shed A Warehouse in Mer Rouge, Port Louis, in Mauritius with storage capacity of 5,500 metric tons and in STC Granary with storage capacity of 900 metric tons at Port Mathurin in Rodrigues. In order to ensure quality assurance of long grain white rice, the STC regularly carries out fumigation exercises in both warehouses, that is in Shed A Warehouse in Port Louis, Mauritius and in the Granary Warehouse at Port Mathurin in Rodrigues. Furthermore, both warehouses are kept well- ventilated so as to minimise moisture, humidity level therein. With regards to part (b)(ii), I am informed that to ascertain the quality of this strategic commodity, in line with the provision made in the bidding document for long grain white rice, each supplier of long grain white rice is mandatorily required to submit to the STC the undermentioned documents prior to any consignment reaching Port Louis, Mauritius – 1. A Health Certificate certifying that the rice is fit for human consumption issued by a public body or its authorised agency in the country of supply; 2. Pre-shipment inspection certificate issued by an independent and internationally recognised inspection agency like SGS or Bureau Veritas; 3. Fumigation Certificate issued by a public body or its authorised agency in the country of supply; 4. Phytosanitary Certificate issued by a public body in the country of supply, and 5. Container Cleanliness Certificate issued by independent and internationally recognised inspection agency, presently SGS and Bureau Veritas.

Yes!

Yes, thank you, hon. Minister. Will the hon. Minister inform the House as to where matters stand with regards to the construction of the new STC warehouse in Rodrigues, if you have information?

In fact, I met the Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues last week. We had a meeting and we are discussing about the warehouse, and he will try to identify a place to allocate it to the State Trading Corporation.

Will the hon. Minister agree to request, despite his good answers, a thorough investigations following various complaints received with regards to the quality of ration rice when cooked, what they call in the local language, 'diri labou', ler kwi vin labou, and then despite the remarkable appreciated efforts by MSCL to ship rice to Rodrigues in brand new containers?

I will check with the STC whether the quality is okay right now and I will revert back to you.

Hon. Third Member for Rodrigues! SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS – YOUTH'S MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS