The government on Friday allowed the export of three varieties of non-basmati rice grown in the southern states in anticipation of bumper crop production this year.
Partially lifting a three-year ban, the government had permitted exports of ‘Ponni Samba’ and ‘Matta’ varieties, subject to a cap of 25,000 tonnes each, while shipments of ‘Sona Masuri’ had been permitted with a cap of 100,000 tonnes, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.
“Certain varieties of rice (Sona Masuri, Ponni Samba and Matta) are permitted to be exported with a limit on quantity of export for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2010-11,” DGFT said, adding that the export ban on other varieties would continue.
DGFT, an arm of the commerce ministry responsible for export and import-related matters, however, said onions in cut, sliced and broken in powdered forms could be exported freely.
Exemptions from the export ban would also be contingent upon the value of shipments exceeding $850 per tonne. These varieties are grown in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
According to the agriculture ministry, rice production will rise to 94 million tonnes (mt) in the 2010-11 crop year from 89 mt in the previous year. DGFT said overseas shipment of two varieties of onions had also been permitted, subject to a licence.
“The export of Bangalore Rose onions and Krishnapuram onions is now restricted and their export shall be permitted under licence,” it said, adding that the ban on exports of other varieties of onions would continue.
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But the partial lifting of the ban on non-basmati rice exports failed to elicit much cheer to the exporters who dubbed the move as “half-cooked”.
“This is a half-cooked decision. It must be re-looked at. There are many other superior quality non-basmati varieties available in India. Relief should be given to all states and across the varieties,” All India Rice Exporters’ Association President Vijay Setia said.