Suggestion to impose export duty on white rice instead of export ban

27-Aug-2024 03:48 PM

Karnal. A leading exporter of Basmati rice and former president of All India Rice Exporters Association (AREA) has sent a letter to the Central Government requesting to review the current export policy of rice.

The letter states that at present there is a ban on commercial export of 100 percent broken rice and non-Basmati white rice, 20 percent export duty is applicable on non-Basmati Sela rice and a minimum export price (MAP) of $ 950 per tonne has been fixed for Basmati rice.

The letter sent to the Union Commerce Secretary and Food Secretary states that there is a need to improve the current rice export policy.

Of course, the government has controlled the rising domestic market price of rice to a great extent with the help of its policies, but now the time has come to evaluate the correct situation and amend and change the policy.

According to the letter, many exporters are taking advantage of the flaws of the government policy. The government should remove the regional difference and discrimination between all varieties of rice.

The former president of AREA has said that a uniform export duty of $100 per tonne should be imposed on non-Basmati rice and if possible, Basmati rice should also be included in it. In return, rice export should be freed from all rules and controls.

This will increase the government's revenue. There are reports that the price of Pusa 1509 and Pusa PB 1 paddy in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab has fallen to a very low level, which is a matter of concern and the producers are suffering huge financial losses due to this.