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Published on: April 4, 2024.
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Pakistan Rice Exporters Association (REAP) Chairman Choudhry Samee Ullah has said that Pakistani rice exporters are facing challenges due to the increased cost of production and the availability of rice at lower rates from India and Thailand.
Ullah mentioned that Pakistan’s rice exports have been declining over the past few years. In 2019, the country exported 4.12 million metric tons of rice, which decreased to 3.5 million metric tons in 2020, and further dropped to 3 million metric tons in 2021. He highlighted that if this trend continues, Pakistan may face difficulties in achieving its export target of 4 million metric tons in 2022.
According to Ullah, the increased cost of production is one of the main factors affecting Pakistani rice exporters. He explained that the cost of inputs such as electricity, fuel, fertilizers, and labor has significantly increased, making it difficult for exporters to compete in the international market.
Furthermore, Ullah mentioned the availability of rice at lower rates from India and Thailand as another challenge faced by Pakistani rice exporters. He emphasized that the price difference between Pakistani rice and imported rice from these countries is substantial, making it hard for Pakistani exporters to attract buyers.
To address these challenges, Ullah suggested that the government should provide incentives to rice exporters, such as subsidies on inputs and electricity bills. He also urged the government to negotiate with India and Thailand to ensure a level playing field for Pakistani rice exporters.
Despite these challenges, Ullah expressed optimism for the future of Pakistani rice exports. He stated that Pakistani rice has a good reputation in international markets due to its quality and taste. He encouraged exporters to focus on value addition by processing rice into various types and grades to attract a diverse range of buyers.
In conclusion, Pakistani rice exporters are facing challenges due to increased production costs and the availability of rice at lower rates from India and Thailand. The government needs to provide incentives and negotiate with other countries to support the rice export industry. However, there is optimism for the future of Pakistani rice exports due to the quality and reputation of Pakistani rice in international markets.
Source: [PTI News](https://www.ptinews.com)
