As FCI buffer swells, exporters demand lifting of curbs on rice

The retail and wholesale inflation in rice has been in double digits since last year. India, the largest exporter of rice, banned export of broken rice in August 2022 to ensure adequate local supplies. This was followed by a ban on export of non-basmati white rice in July 2023, imposition of a 20% export duty on parboiled rice in August 2023 and restrictions on basmati rice by imposing a minimum export price.