Govt Permits Export of 14,000 MT of Non-Basmati White Rice to Mauritius via NCEL

In a recent development, the central government has given the green light for the export of 14,000 MT of non-basmati white rice to Mauritius through National Cooperative Exports Limited, according to an official notification. This move comes as part of broader efforts to manage rice prices domestically and balance export policies.

The export policy for non-basmati rice has seen several adjustments in the past aimed at regulating prices and managing trade dynamics. Earlier, an export duty of 20% was imposed on non-basmati rice from September 8, 2022, to stabilize rice prices in the market. However, this was followed by a significant change when the export policy for non-basmati white rice was amended to 'Prohibited' effective from July 20, 2023.

Simultaneously, in the basmati rice segment, contracts for basmati exports valued at USD 950 per metric ton and above are now being registered for the issuance of Registration–cum–Allocation Certificates (RCAC). Moreover, a 20% export duty on parboiled rice has been extended until March 31, 2024, as a means to further control price inflation within the domestic market.

The specific export of rice to Mauritius is facilitated through the National Cooperative Exports Limited, as outlined by the DGFT in its recent notification. This export approval follows earlier allowances made by the government, permitting the export of 240,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to various countries including Comoros, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, and Egypt, also managed through the National Cooperatives Exports Limited (NCEL).

Furthermore, the government has allocated export quotas of non-basmati white rice to a range of countries beyond Mauritius, including Bhutan, the UAE, Singapore, Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Seychelles.

The export policy of Broken Rice has been amended from “Free” to “Prohibited” w.e.f. 9th Sep, 2022. These comprehensive measures collectively contribute to controlling the upward trend of rice prices within the domestic market, aligning with broader agricultural trade strategies.