By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh is working out the modalities to import rice from India after New Delhi lifted a ban on rice export, officials said here.
The ban was imposed in April 2008 during the global economic meltdown.
Now India has decided to allow export of up to one million tonnes of rice other than basmati to countries including Bangladesh, the Daily Star reported.
Bangladesh and India had agreed in 2008 that New Delhi would export three lakh tonnes of rice and two lakh tonnes of wheat to Dhaka to help it overcome damages caused by the cyclone Sidr.
But the deal did not materialise.
Food Minister Abdur Razzaque said: “We’ve some modalities to be worked out before importing rice. India is asking for 100 percent payment at the time of import and completion of quality and quantity inspection at Indian godowns.”
He, however, said India has been informed that, if not quality, at least the quantity needs to be inspected at Chittagong.
Food officials in Dhaka said India will export rice at $447 per tonne, and there will be around $100 as shipment and handling costs per tonne.