India to Export Rice to Malaysia – Strengthening Trade Relationship
Published on: October 20, 2023.
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Malaysia Secures Rice Export from India to Alleviate Shortage
In a significant development, India has agreed to export 170,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Malaysia, a move that will relieve the country of the recent rice shortage issue. The announcement came after Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir received a call from his Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, conveying the news.
This export agreement is a result of the strong bilateral ties between India and Malaysia. Upon Malaysia’s request for a special quota due to the shortage of white rice, India approved the export of 170,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice as a friendly gesture.
A highly placed source confirmed that this decision by the Indian government demonstrates India’s commitment to supporting friendly countries in safeguarding domestic food security. India’s export of non-basmati rice to Malaysia will significantly assist in addressing the current local shortage.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu expressed his gratitude, stating that Malaysia welcomes the news and appreciates India’s support. He emphasized that this export of non-basmati white rice will provide temporary relief while the country explores long-term solutions to ensure an adequate supply of white rice at all times. Sabu reassured the public that the special quota would not have a significant impact on the price of local white rice.
It is important to note that India is the largest exporter of rice globally, accounting for 40% of the world’s rice exports. The decision to stop exporting non-basmati white rice earlier this year led to rice shortages in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which heavily rely on rice imports from India.
Apart from India, Malaysia also imports rice from Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. On average, Malaysia imports approximately 750,000 tonnes of rice per year. The worry was that the shortage would cause a sharp increase in prices due to insufficient supply.
As of now, the local white rice price in Malaysia stands at RM2.60 per kg, as per the Rice (Price and Grade) Order 2008 and the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.
To address the shortage, the Federal Government requested all padi millers and rice wholesalers to increase the supply of local white rice by 20% through the Local White Rice Special Programme on September 2.
This move by India to export non-basmati white rice to Malaysia demonstrates the value of maintaining strong bilateral ties between countries. Such cooperation is crucial in alleviating the impact of food shortages and ensuring food security for all.
Source: [Source](https://asianews.network)
