(a) whether the Government has permitted the STC and MMTC to export rice, other than Basmati
during each of the last three years and in the current year, till date;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the countries to which export has been permitted;
(c) whether India is losing its rice market in Saudi Arabia to the United States;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to boost the export of rice?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a-b) The export of non-basmati rice during the last three years and upto 8th October 2007 of
current year was freely allowed. Thereafter, till 31st October, 2007, non-basmati rice exports
were banned. Subsequently, non-basmati rice exports have been subject to a Minimum Export Price
that is currently US $ 650 per ton FOB.
(c-d) No, Sir. India’s share in Saudi Arabia’s rice imports in 2005 was 68.9%, whereas in
2006 it reached 73.6%.The US exports to Saudi Arabia has remained at 7.9% during 2005 and 2006.
Thus, India’s share in rice market in Saudi Arabia has increased over the years.
(e) Government, in general, has been promoting exports of rice directly and through statutory
bodies like APEDA.In order to boost exports, the Government provides various incentives through
APEDA for infrastructure, development, quality control, market development and promotion,
packaging, publicity, information dissemination etc. However, from 9th October, 2007, certain
restrictions have been imposed on rice exports to shore up the domestic availability.