SAD Leader Sukhbir Singh Badal Calls for Lowering Basmati Rice Export Price

Shiromani Akali Dal president, Sukhbir Singh Badal, has urged the Union government to reduce the minimum export price of basmati rice from USD 950 to USD 750 per tonne. Badal claims this move will benefit farmers, increase the competitiveness of basmati in the international market, and fulfill government goals to double farmers' income.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has called on the Union government to reduce the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice from USD 950 to USD 750 per tonne. He argues that this reduction is crucial for ensuring better prices for farmers and boosting the competitiveness of basmati rice globally.

Badal stated that despite a bumper harvest expected this year, farmers would not benefit unless the government revisits the MEP. He emphasized that basmati exporters are currently unable to purchase from farmers because of filled godowns and restrictive export policies implemented over the past two years.

Highlighting the competitive prices offered by Pakistan at USD 750 per tonne, Badal noted this has negatively impacted the international market. He also called for lifting the ban on non-basmati white rice exports and removing the 20% duty on parboiled rice exports, stressing the importance of these measures for lifting farmers out of economic distress and securing precious foreign exchange for the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)