By NNN-PTI
New Delhi : The Cabinet has exempted exports of superior quality non-basmati rice, priced over 425 dollar or above a ton in global markets, from the ban it imposed a fortnight ago on exports of all varieties of non-basmati rice, following protests from farmers and exporters.
The decision to withdraw the ban on export of expensive non-basmati rice was taken by the Union Cabinet at a meeting here Thursday, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said.
However, the move will give only partial relief to exporters and farmers since the ban will continue on exports of low value non-basmati rice.
“The decision to remove the ban on export of expensive non-basmati rice will help only the growers and exporters from north India where such varieties are grown,” All India Rice Exporters Association Vice-Chairman Prem Garg told PTI.
He said bulk of rice grown in south India fetches up to 300 dollars a ton in the export market. ” Partial lifting of ban on rice export will be of no use to growers in south,” Garg said.
The Commerce Ministry had directed the customs authority to allow export of all varieties of rice for which letters of credit were opened till October 9. It had also allowed export of rice lying in port godowns.
However, exporters said the vessels waiting at ports should be allowed to be loaded without any restriction.
Several Chief Ministers, particularly from Haryana, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, had impressed upon the Centre to roll back the export ban following protests in their states.
India exported 3.7 million ton of non-basmati rice against the total production of 92.76 million tons in 2006-07.