Govt gives nod to export of 1,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Namibia

India has authorised the export of 1,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Namibia, despite an existing ban on such exports imposed on 20 July 2023 to ensure adequate domestic supply. The shipment will be facilitated through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) confirmed the decision, stating, “Export of 1,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Namibia is permitted through NCEL.”

The export of non-basmati white rice from India amounted to $122.7 million during April-May 2024 and $852.53 million for the entire fiscal year 2023-24. In addition to Namibia, India has previously permitted exports to countries including Nepal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Seychelles.

NCEL, a multi-state cooperative society, is backed by prominent cooperative organisations such as the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), known as AMUL, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO), and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).

(With PTI inputs)