Question : MODIFICATION IN RICE EXPORT POLICY

(a) whether rice export policy has been modified recently;

(b) if so, the main features thereof including the percentage of broken rice allowed in the rice meant for export; and

(c) the steps taken to make Indian rice competitive for export?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI AJIT SINGH)

(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 4 DUE FOR REPLY ON 18TH NOVEMBER, 2002.


(a)&(b): As per the Exim Policy announced by the Ministry of Commerce this year, export of basmati rice is free subject to registration of contracts with APEDA. Export of non-basmati rice is totally free. Export of paddy is restricted and export permitted only under licence.

As per the quality specifications of FCI, the raw rice can contain brokens upto a maximum limit of 25% and, for the parboiled rice, upto 16%. Further, it was decided to permit a margin of 2% plus equivalent percent of reduction in brokens as per Bill of Lading of `H` form.

(c): Various promotional measures have been taken by the Government to boost export of foodgrains from the Central Pool. Details in this regard are:-

(i)	Exporters have been allowed to lift stocks from the depots of FCI according to their choice.

(ii)	There are no procedural restrictions like registration with Agricultural and Processed Foods	Export Development Authority (APEDA) in case of export of wheat, wheat products, and non-basmati rice.

(iii)	An empowered Standing Committee on Exports has been set up to take expeditious decisions on	matters relating to export of foodgrains regularly.

(iv)	In order to offer a stable price regime, the Government has decided to fix the offer price of export	of wheat and rice from the Central Pool for a period of 3 months, with an additional month given for	lifting of stocks, and to announce the prices 45 days in advance before the commencement of the	concerned quarter.