The Union Food and Agriculture Ministry has turned down requests from Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for resuming export of non-basmati rice.
The government has banned export of wheat and non-basmati rice from February 2, 2007 and April 1, 2008 to stabilise prices of these commodities in the domestic market and to maintain sufficient stocks for ensuring food security in the country.
Not acceded to
“Requests were received from the State governments of Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for export of non-basmati rice. Besides, requests were also received from Rice Millers/Exporters Association of Punjab and Kerala. These requests were considered but not acceded to,” Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution K.V. Thomas informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Humanitarian aid
However, export of certain quantities of wheat and rice are being allowed for humanitarian aid to some countries, he said.
The export of pulses (except kabuli channa) is banned till March 31, 2011. But there is no ban on export of sugar, though the exports are regulated.