The government today partially relaxed export restrictions on many categories of edible oil as well as seed quality maize and non-basmati rice. A ban on exports of these commodities was imposed earlier this year to boost domestic supplies and cool rising inflation.
A notification issued today by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said exports of castor oil, as well as oil derived from niger seed, neem seed, mango kernel, shellac and sal fat will be allowed. Moreover, exports of coconut oil from the Kochi port have also been allowed.
In addition, deemed exports of edible oil to 100 per cent export oriented units have also been allowed with a condition that the final product is non-edible.
In addition, the government also allowed exports of seed quality maize and non-basmati rice, which can only be used for sowing. "Export packets will be labelled that seeds are treated with chemical insecticides and cannot be used for food or feed purposes," the notification said.
Rice exporters said that the move will not benefit them as they export only edible grade rice. “Total shipments of seed grade rice from India do not exceed a few hundred tonne,” said a Delhi-based rice exporter. The ban on export non-basmati rice is expected to continue till November.
The agriculture ministry expects a record production of rice this year, while procurement in the October-September kharif marketing season is marginally up compared to last year.
