In the years 2021-22, India exported non-basmati rice to over 150 countries.
This comes amid rumours that India is restricting rice exports after banning wheat exports and capping sugar shipments at 10 million tonnes in the current marketing year (October-September) as a preventative measure to keep local prices in check.
The Indian government has no intentions to prohibit or restrict the export of either basmati or non-basmati rice because India has ample supplies and prices remain stable.
“There are no plans to limit rice exports of any type. Our godowns, as well as private dealers, have ample stock. Domestic prices are now under control as well”, said a senior government official.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) urged regional officials to physically inspect all papers of applicants for wheat export registration certificates before granting them (RCs).
To close the gap, it has been agreed that all Letters of Credit, whether previously granted or in the process, would be physically verified by regional authorities. The ministry stated in a statement that it may seek the assistance of a professional agency for such verification if necessary.
India has also received requests for over 1.5 million tonnes of wheat from a number of nations that want the grain to alleviate shortages caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“More than a half-dozen nations have requested more than 1.5 million tonnes of wheat from India, and we’ll examine how we can handle these demands,” a ministry official said.
“India is eager to assist poor nations and anyone in need of wheat,” stated a decision-making official.