COMMODITY
Export ban on rice is regulation rather than restriction for food security: India to WTO's agri committee meet
Sep-29-2023

In response to concern raised by a group of countries including the US on export ban on rice, India during a meeting of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Committee on Agriculture in Geneva has said that it is a regulation rather than a restriction and is crucial for securing the food security of 1.4 billion people. In the meeting, India reiterated its commitment to ensure food security in importing countries by granting exemptions to those in need upon their governments' requests. 

The Indian government has already allowed exports of non-basmati rice to Bhutan (79,000 tonnes), UAE (75,000 tonnes), Mauritius (14,000 tonnes) and Singapore (50,000 tonnes) through the National Cooperative Exports (NCEL). Earlier on July 20, 2023, India banned exports of non-basmati white rice to boost domestic supply and keep retail prices under check during the upcoming festive season.

India has also argued that, in order to prevent private players from manipulating market conditions, advance notifications were not provided in the WTO. These measures are temporary and are regularly reviewed to allow necessary adjustments based on domestic demand and supply situations. 

The US has urged India to lift this export ban with immediate effect. Besides, group of member countries have argued that such measures had a detrimental impact on nations which are heavily reliant on imports of these agri commodities, particularly during times of crisis and expressed concerns about the impact of India's export ban on the global food market, highlighting its significance as the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 per cent of global exports. 

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