India Urged to Lift Ban on Broken Rice Exports Amid Surplus

Indian exporters are calling on the government to lift the ban on 100% broken rice exports due to record high inventories. Allowing exports could help reduce stocks and offer affordable options for African countries, as well as support Asian feed producers. India has ample rice reserves.

Indian rice exporters have urged the government to lift the ban on 100% broken rice exports, pointing to record-high inventories that far exceed government targets. The excess rice, nine times more than needed, has triggered calls to allow exports which could benefit African countries by providing more affordable grain options.

B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters' Association, stated the abundant rice supply should prompt the government to permit these exports, aiding not only African nations in need of lower-priced rice but also Asian markets reliant on this grade for animal feed and ethanol production.

The plea follows a September 2022 export ban of 100% broken rice, raised due to production concerns linked to poor rainfall. Despite subsequent curbs on other rice grades, recent harvests have improved supply situations. Organizations, like the REA, push for a policy shift, emphasizing competitors like Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan remain active in the market.