India is a significant player in the global rice market, with white rice being one of its prominent agricultural exports. India’s white rice export industry is a crucial component for itself and the world. In an unexpected move to limit growing local costs, India banned the export of commonly consumed non-basmati white rice on July 20. However, we are still exporting Indian white rice to Mauritius, Bhutan, and Singapore. But why?
India Still Exports White Rice To Some Countries
Our response to media queries on export of rice to Singapore:https://t.co/RfmpXV38jR pic.twitter.com/lzqbRlzesb
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 29, 2023
According to an article by Mint, the government said that it has approved the shipment of 1.43 lakh tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Singapore, Mauritius, and Bhutan. Although non-basmati white rice exports were prohibited on July 20 in order to increase domestic supplies, exports are permitted based on the authorisation given by the government to other nations to meet their needs for food security and on requests.
According to another article by The Hindu, Singapore announced last week that it has spoken with the Indian government about easing the restrictions on the export of white rice due to the shortage of supplies. For which, the country has given the permit for the shipment of white rice in order to satisfy Singapore’s food needs. The gesture was made in light of the two countries’ very close economic ties, and robust people-to-people connections.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) also shared that non-basmati white rice export has been 79,000 tonnes to Bhutan, 14,000 tonnes to Mauritius, and 50,000 tonnes to Singapore.
Also Read: Why Nepal Wants To Stock Up On Rice & Sugar From India Ahead Of Upcoming Festive Season?
The White Rice Export Ban Of India
Chaos in Bay Area California for #rice #Costco @ndtvfeed @timesofindia #California #bayarea Costco, how can u let people take more than 2 bags? pic.twitter.com/zm9iZV3Snw
— bimmer2020 (@bimmerwhite) July 21, 2023
In order to curb the increase in food grain prices and ensure enough supplies on the domestic market, the Indian government outlawed the export of (non-basmati) white rice on July 20. Due to the southwest monsoon being insufficient over a significant portion of the nation and endangering standing kharif crops, India has been apprehensive about exporting rice.
In nations like the US and Canada, where there is a huge demand for this rice, the decision sparked panic. Many individuals hurried to the stores only to return with bags of rice to make up for the subsequent shortage. Since India exports 40% of the world’s rice supply, many experts said that it would lead to a global food crisis.
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