News Capsule: Opposition to Basmati Export Fee Hike
03-Oct-2025 10:12 AM
Opposition to Basmati Export Fee Hike
★ Basmati exporters’ associations from Haryana and Punjab have opposed the increase in export registration fees from ₹30 to ₹70 per tonne.
★ They argued that the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) already has a corpus of ₹25 crore, and as per a 2005 rule, contributions can be resumed only if the fund drops below ₹10 crore.
★ Exporters alleged that the hike was implemented without approval from the BEDF Board and would place an additional burden on the trade. They have demanded that the fee be restored to the earlier level of ₹30 per tonne.
★ The Centre, however, has said that the increase will provide APEDA and BEDF with more resources to be used for Basmati development activities.