China will retain the Minimum Rice Purchase Prices (MRPP) at the 2014 level, despite increases in production costs. Last year the MRPP for early indica rice was YUAN 135 per 50 kilograms (about USD 432 per tonne), middle and late-season indica rice were YUAN 138 per 50 kilograms (around USD 442 per tonne), while Japonica rice were YUAN 155 per 50 kilograms (about USD 496 per ton). Since 2004, the government of China has been buying rice from farmers at above market prices to maintain reserves.