Problems & Prospects of Rice Export from India

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUSTAINING RICE EXPORT

Rice export constitutes a considerable share in the national exports. India is likely to be major exporters next to Thailand during 2003 and its influence on the global rice trade will be significant. Keeping in view the importance of rice in the national export items, concerted efforts are required to be made to further promote the export of rice. There is a good scope for India to take advantage of the new trade opportunities for promoting the export of rice. This can be achieved if production is made as per the requirements of international markets by increased investment in Research and Development coupled with export friendly trade policies.

The following are few of the measures suggested to sustain the export of rice in future:

  1. Breeding programme may be initiated to develop high yielding export quality rice (Basmati, Non-Basmati, Long Grain Rice, etc.) to enable the exporters to sustain their export in future.

  2. Survey may be conducted to identify export quality belts/zones for production of rice to meet the requirement of exports.

  3. Extension activities may be strengthened to educate the cultivators for production of quality rice to match the standards of international markets.

  4. Low cost production technology may be developed to bring down the cost of production to enable the exporters to compete with competing countries in the international markets.

  5. Proper arrangements may be made for procurement and processing of rice export purpose as per the requirement of international markets.

  6. Proper arrangements may be made for production of pure quality seeds and making them available to the farmers at subsidized rates.

  7. In case of basmati varieties, crop should not be allowed to lodge and there should be proper water management in the field. If these are not attended properly, such situation may affect both aroma and linear kernel elongation.

  8. Post harvest operation is also very important. After harvesting, if produce is allowed to remain at higher moisture level for a longer period, it will impair the intensity of aroma.