Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry

17-August-2011 17:28 IST

Export of Rice through STC and MMTC

            The data regarding export of rice to various countries during last three years is given below:

     (  Source : DGCI&S)

The prominent destinations of Indian rice exports are UAE, Saudi Arab, Iran and Kuwait.

 

            The export of non-basmati rice done by PEC, STC and MMTC is given below:.

 

            The export of basmati rice can be done under Open General License       subject to prior registration with APEDA.   The export of non-basmati rice on          diplomatic basis can be done by State Trading Agencies only.

 

In 2009, the matter of export of non-basmati rice to African countries was            raised   in the Lok Sabha by Shri Sharad Yadav and others on 22.07.2009 under    Rule     377/Zero Hour and in Rajya Sabha by Shri D Raja and others on             20.07.2009        under Special Mention/Zero Hour. In this regard Commerce and Industry            Minister had given a statement in Lok Sabha on 30.07.2009 and       again on            19.11.2010. In accordance with the statement given on the floor of             the Lok             Sabha on 30.07.2009, an            internal inquiry was instituted and the      concerned officials of the PSUs were          issued show cause notices.         Concerned companies, who prima facie were      acting in collusion, were     debarred from all future transactions with PSUs of          the Department of         Commerce. The entire matter was referred to CVC who    have tendered   their      advice and departmental action is being initiated against the concerned.             Meanwhile, the matter is also under investigation by CBI.             

 

                        This information was given by the Minister of State for Commerce and    Industry  Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a written reply to a question, in the      Rajya  Sabha today.

 

            DS/gk           

Export licensing: basmati rice requires APEDA registration under Open General License; non-basmati diplomatic exports limited to State Trading Agencies. The regulatory regime distinguishes rice categories: basmati exports require prior APEDA registration under an Open General License, while non basmati diplomatic exports are reserved to State Trading Agencies. Administrative measures were taken where irregularities were alleged, including show cause notices, debarment from departmental transactions, initiation of departmental action following vigilance advice, and referral for criminal investigation.