Question : EXPORT OF RICE H .

(a) whether the Government procures rice through Food Corporation of India for exporting it to other countries;

(b) the details of the total rice exported/ imported both by private companies and the Government agencies including State Trading Corporation (STC) and Minerals and Metals Trading corporation (MMTC) during the last three years, year-wise, quantum-wise and country-wise;

(c) whether any deficiency/irregularity have been reported in the export/import of rice by some private companies or the Government agencies; and

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) Madam, the Government procures food grains including rice through Food Corporation of India primarily for the public distribution system. However, limited quantities from the central pool are allowed for exports to other countries on diplomatic basis.

(b) The data regarding export/import of rice to various countries during last three years is given below:

Year	Export (in tons)	Top 5 destinations for export	Import(in tons)
2008-09	24,88,291	Saudi Arab, UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Yemen	85.46
2009-10	21,56,408	Saudi Arab, UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Yemen	65.56
2010-11	16,68,132	Saudi Arab, UAE, Iran,Bangladesh, Kuwait	94.79
(uptoDec. 2010)
(Source : DGCI&S)