Shafaqna India: The government has lifted its blanket ban on non-basmati white rice exports, imposing a minimum export price (MEP) of $490 per tonne while exempting the commodity from export duty. This ban had been in place since July 20, 2023, to enhance domestic supply.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced that the export policy for non-basmati white rice (including semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether polished or glazed) is now classified as free, effective immediately and until further notice.
This decision comes as the country boasts ample rice stock in government warehouses, and retail prices remain stable. The government has also reduced the export duty on parboiled rice to 10 percent. Previously, the export duty for non-basmati white rice and other varieties was set at 20 percent.
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance on Friday, the export duty on husked (brown) rice and rice in husk (paddy or rough) was similarly lowered to 10 percent, effective from September 27, 2024.
Earlier this month, the government removed the minimum export price for basmati rice to stimulate exports and improve farmers’ incomes. During the April-July period of this fiscal year, India exported $189 million worth of non-basmati white rice, a significant decrease from $852.52 million in 2023-24.
Despite the ban, the government permitted exports to friendly nations like the Maldives, Mauritius, the UAE, and several African countries to address their food security needs, responding to requests from their governments. Non-basmati white rice is widely consumed in India and remains in demand in international markets.
