India denies permission for rice exporters to participate in WFP tenders, impacting trade opportunities
Published on: February 29, 2024.
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India Protects Domestic Food Security by Restricting Rice Exports to WFP Tenders
New Delhi, Feb 28 – In an effort to prioritize domestic food security and control inflation, India has made the decision to withhold permission for its domestic rice exporters to participate in tenders issued by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). This decision has raised concerns about global food security and has implications for countries that rely on rice supplies from India.
The recent tenders by WFP for broken rice supplies to countries such as Spain, Cameroon, Togo, and Algeria prompted requests from Indian rice exporters to participate. However, after careful consideration, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) decided that permission for participation would not be granted at this time. Instead, bilateral exports on a case-by-case basis will continue to ensure India’s own food security amidst existing export bans.
India implemented bans on broken rice exports in September 2022 and on non-basmati white rice in July 2023 due to concerns over lower rice output caused by unpredictable monsoon rains. Since the implementation of these export bans, India has been supplying rice to needy nations and strategic partners, albeit on a case-by-case basis. African countries such as Togo, Benin, and Senegal heavily rely on rice imports from India, with significant percentages of their rice imports originating from India.
The decision to restrict participation in WFP tenders highlights the Indian government’s commitment to safeguarding domestic food security and managing inflation. By ensuring an adequate supply of rice for its own population, India aims to mitigate the impact of export bans on its own economy.
These recent developments may have implications for global food security, as the WFP is renowned as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, providing food relief to populations affected by conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts. The Indian government’s decision to prioritize domestic needs reflects the delicate balance between supporting international efforts and safeguarding its own population’s well-being.
Source: [KNN India](https://menafn.com)
