India To Review Edible Oil Import Duties; Won’t Drop Rice Export Ban

Avatar for Matt Hopkins By Andrea Klosterman Harris|21 October 2008

Despite projections of bumper output, Pawar stated: “The question of easing the ban on non-basamati exports doesn’t arise. We won’t think about it as long as we have not procured enough and well,” Pawar said. However, the government may think of providing fresh impetus to non-basmati rice exports after Diwali, due to fears of losing overseas markets to rival nations. “We can think about it because India’s share in the global basamati market should not be affected,” said Pawar. “We should focus on the fact that nobody should take advantage out of our share. We will think about it after Diwali. The government may consider reducing the duties on basmati exports,” he added. A minimum export price of $1,200 and a tax of $162 per tonne on basamati shipments has been imposed.

The minister also ruled out extending more bonus to paddy farmers in step with the demand made by some states.