New Delhi, Mar 8 (KNN) The Indian government has lifted the ban on the export of 100 per cent broken rice, according to a notification issued late on Friday.

The decision follows record-high inventories at the start of February, nearly nine times the government’s target.

The resumption of exports is expected to help India, the world’s largest rice exporter, manage surplus stocks while providing affordable grain to African countries and supporting Asian animal feed and ethanol producers.

India had initially banned 100 per cent broken rice exports in September 2022 due to concerns over production after poor rainfall. In 2023, restrictions were extended to all rice grades.

However, following a record harvest, New Delhi gradually lifted curbs on all grades except 100 per cent broken rice.

“With the export resumption, we expect to ship around 2 million tons of broken rice in 2025,” said B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters’ Association (REA).

In 2022, India exported 3.9 million metric tons of broken rice, primarily to China for animal feed and to African nations such as Senegal and Djibouti for human consumption.

Broken rice, a byproduct of milling, is preferred in Africa due to its lower price compared to other rice varieties.

Currently, Indian broken rice is priced at USD 330 per metric ton, while competitors like Vietnam, Myanmar, and Pakistan offer it at around USD 300.

However, limited stocks in these countries are expected to shift demand towards India, according to Himanshu Agrawal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, a leading rice exporter.

As of February 1, India’s rice reserves, including unmilled paddy, stood at 67.6 million tons, far exceeding the government’s target of 7.6 million tons, according to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

(KNN Bureau)