Govt allows exports of 3 variants of non-basmati rice

The government today decided to allow exports of three varieties of non-basmati rice grown in four southern states, partially lifting the three-year-old ban on overseas shipments of the grain.

Even as the government is battling over 17% food inflation, an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM) decided to allow exports up to 1.50 lakh tonnes of select varieties.

The three varieties exempted from export ban are Ponni Samba, Rosematta and Sona Masuri which are grown in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

However, exemptions would be given only if exports are valued at above $850 per tonne.

"Adequate quantities are there in these states," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters after the EGoM meeting.

For rest of the varieties, the export ban continues, Sharma said.

"We have taken a clear view that ban continues on non-basmati rice. As far as basmati rice concerned, the present position continues," he said.

The panel also allowed exports of 'Rose' vareity on onion grown in Karnatka.

The EGoM on Food, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, includes Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Rural Development Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Food Minister K V Thomas.