India could reconsider ban once global demand falls, says NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Agricultural economist and member of NITI Aayog Ramesh Chand says that as long as India exports 20-22 million metric tonnes (MMT) of rice a year, there will be no impact on domestic food security. In an interview with Shantanu Nandan Sharma, he says India had to ban non-basmati white rice as the global demand had skyrocketed, with policymakers estimating that India may end up exporting over 30 million tonnes if no restriction was imposed. Edited excerpts:Why did the government ban the export of non-basmati white rice?After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war last year, food prices started rising.

Prices remained high for a year or so before getting stabilised and started declining sharply. But rice has been an exception. During the last 6-7 months, prices of rice and to some extent sugar have been rising in the global market.

The demand for rice globally is so high that if we don’t impose any restriction, India will end up exporting over 30 million metric tonnes of rice this year (as against 22.2 MMT in 2022-23). It would have an impact on the domestic market. There is no issue as long as we export 20-22 MMT a year.

Even today, the governmentto-government export of non-basmati will continue. Because of high demand, India may still export 20 million tonnes despite the partial ban. Also, we are not sure of the monsoon or any El Nino effect on rice production this year.

There has been a late sowing in many places. So, any responsible government will be cautious.How long do you expect this export ban to stay?It will depend on the international market. India could reconsider white rice export ban once the global demand reduces.