Question : RICE EXPORT POLICY



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

(b) if so, the details thereof including the percentage of processed broken rice allowed in exports; and

(c) the action taken to make our rice competitive for export?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SHARAD YADAV )

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.450 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 20-12-2002 IN THE LOK SABHA.

(a) to (c): As per the Exim Policy, the export of basmati rice is free, subject to registration of contracts with APEDA. The export of non-basmati rice is entirely free.

2. In view of the surplus stocks of rice in the Central Pool, the available rice is being supplied through the Food Corporation of India to Public Sector Undertakings, State Agencies and private exporters for purpose of export. For the rice offered from the Central Pool stocks, the exporters are allowed operational allowance of 2% on Bill of Lading in rice shipment and are required to submit export documents for the remaining 98% of the quantity lifted from the FCI. Indian exporters (who lift stocks from the FCI) are exploring the overseas markets and competing with others. Appropriate steps are taken to facilitate Indian exports, from time to time, depending upon the prevailing circumstances.