In an effort to safeguard the availability and affordability of non-basmati white rice within the country, India, renowned as the world’s top rice exporter, has initiated a ban on its exports. The decision, declared through an official notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), aims to address concerns about surging domestic rice prices. However, in a gesture of cooperation with other nations, India will permit white rice exports upon request, contingent on meeting their food security requirements and securing formal approval from their respective governments.
The export ban comes as a strategic measure to mitigate the impact of two crucial factors affecting India’s rice production. Firstly, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reverberated across the global food market, influencing prices and supply dynamics. Secondly, India’s rice production has been adversely affected by erratic weather patterns, encompassing heavy monsoon rains in key rice-producing states in the north and insufficient rainfall in other regions of the country.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Indian Government, plays a vital role in regulating and overseeing foreign trade. Among its key responsibilities is the development and execution of the Foreign Trade Policy, designed to bolster India’s export endeavors and ensure a robust participation in the international trade landscape.
At the helm of DGFT, Shri Amit Yadav, as the Director General, guides the agency’s efforts to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the realm of foreign trade. With India’s commitment to stabilizing its rice market and catering to global food security needs, the DGFT’s role in formulating effective policies remains crucial in promoting sustainable economic growth and fostering cooperative relationships with trading partners worldwide.