Government Directs Sale of Non-Basmati White Rice to 11 Countries through NCEL
Published on: October 23, 2023.
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Amidst an export ban imposed by the government, there is a new development in the sale of non-basmati white rice. The government has decided to funnel the sale of 12 lakh metric tonnes of rice to 11 countries through a newly established company called National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). This company is backed by cooperative societies and aims to facilitate the exports.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had previously banned the exports of non-basmati white rice due to a surge in domestic prices. However, in subsequent orders, the DGFT has allowed the export of 12.52 LMT of rice through NCEL to countries like UAE, Bhutan, Mauritius, Singapore, Nepal, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Seychelles.
The government has granted permission for export based on the food security needs of other countries and upon their request. NCEL was established on January 25 of this year under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. It has a registered share capital of Rs 2,000 crore, with an initial paid-up share capital of Rs 500 crore.
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF) serves as the main promoter of NCEL, along with other bodies like Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED), and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
According to the recent DGFT orders, shipments of the rice variety have already been made to Mauritius, while the exports to other countries are currently in progress. Officials from the Cooperation Ministry were not available for comment.
The establishment of NCEL is considered a significant step towards achieving the Modi Government’s vision of prosperity through cooperation. It covers various sectors, including agriculture, allied activities, handloom, and handicraft items. The goal is to double its revenue by 2025, from the current Rs 2,160 crore.
On October 23, Cooperative Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to launch the NCEL logo, website, and brochure. Additionally, membership certificates will be distributed to NCEL members.
India’s rice exports are divided into two major categories: basmati and non-basmati. The non-basmati category consists of different subcategories, including rice in husk of seed quality, other rice in husk, husked (brown) rice, rice parboiled, non-basmati white rice, and broken rice.
From April to August of this year, despite the export ban, India managed to export 19.74 lakh metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice. This figure is 9.6% lower than the 21.86 LMT exported during the same period last year.
In the 2022-23 fiscal year (April-June), India has already exported 177.86 LMT of non-basmati rice, with 63.98 LMT accounting for non-basmati white rice. Among the top importers of non-basmati white rice from India are Benin, Madagascar, Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire, Mozambique, Vietnam, Angola, Togo, and Nepal.
Source: [Source](https://indianexpress.com)
