Exporters want ban on export of broken rice lifted: report

Rice exporters have called on the government to allow export of 100% broken rice as stocks climbed to a record high of nine times the government’s target at the beginning of the month, Reuters reported, citing key stakeholders.

Broken rice, a byproduct of milling, is sought by some African countries as it is the cheapest grain.

Exports of the product will allow exporters to reduce their stock, enable poor African countries to purchase foodgrain at reasonable prices, and support animal feed manufacturers and ethanol producers, the report said.

The government has far more rice than required, exporters said, while requesting the ministry of commerce and industry to lift the export of broken rice.

It may be recalled that the country imposed a ban on the export of 100% broken rice in September 2022 and subsequently announced curbs on the export of all other rice grades in 2023 due to poor rainfall that year.

Since the country harvested a record crop last year, New Delhi removed the ban on exporting other rice grades, excluding 100% broken rice.

According to Food Corporation of India data, granary reserves of rice and unmilled paddy were at 67.6 million metric tons as of 1 February, which is against the government target of 7.6 million tons.

In 2022, India exported 3.9 million metric tons of broken rice to China for animal feed and to African countries for human consumption.

India faces steep competition from other rice exporters, including Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, and Myanmar.