Government Allows Export of 2,000 Tonnes of Non-Basmati White Rice to Malawi and Zimbabwe
Published on: June 20, 2024.
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India Grants Permission for Non-Basmati White Rice Exports to Malawi and Zimbabwe
In a move to meet the food security needs of Malawi and Zimbabwe, the Indian government has allowed the export of 2,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to these two African nations. The permission for export is granted through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), as announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification.
Although the export of non-basmati white rice has been banned since July 20, 2023, to boost domestic supply, the government has made exceptions for certain countries upon request, in order to address their food security concerns. Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, and Zimbabwe, a South African nation, have been granted permission to import 1,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice each.
The DGFT stated, “Exports of non-basmati white rice to Malawi and Zimbabwe through NCEL are notified.” This decision follows India’s previous allowance of such exports to countries like Nepal, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivore, Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Seychelles.
The NCEL, a multi-state cooperative society, is a joint endeavor of renowned cooperative societies in India, including the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), popularly known as AMUL, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO), and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
This decision not only supports the food security needs of Malawi and Zimbabwe but also highlights India’s commitment to international cooperation and trade. By allowing controlled and strategic exports, India aims to maintain a balance between domestic supply and meeting its obligations to its neighboring countries.
Source: Business Standard
