July 24, 2023
2 mins read

Indian-Americans rush to hoard rice amidst export ban

Prominent Indian grocery stores in major US cities, such as Texas, Michigan, and New Jersey, are witnessing crowds, primarily from the Telugu community…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian government’s recent decision to ban the export of non-basmati rice has sparked a hoarding frenzy among Indian-Americans in the United States. Social media is abuzz with tweets about a “panic buy” of white rice as people rush to stock up.

Interestingly, even Basmati rice, which is not covered by the ban, is also being hoarded by some. It appears that Indian-Americans might be mistakenly assuming that Basmati rice is also prohibited, or they could be taking a precautionary approach, fearing a potential ban on Basmati rice in the future. As a result, black marketing of Basmati rice has emerged, leading to inflated prices.

Prominent Indian grocery stores in major US cities, such as Texas, Michigan, and New Jersey, are witnessing crowds, primarily from the Telugu community. In response to the high demand, these stores have implemented restrictions, limiting sales to one rice bag per customer.

The central government on Thursday amended the rice export norms putting the non-basmati  white rice in “prohibited” category.

The export policy relating to non-basmati white rice (Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed: Other) has been revised from “free” to “prohibited” and it has come into force immediately, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification said. However, Directorate General of Foreign Trade said exports of such variety of rice will be permitted under certain conditions where loading “has commenced before the issue of notification and where the shipping bill is filed and vessels have already berthed or arrived and anchored in Indian ports and their rotation number has been allocated before this notification”.

The approval of loading in such vessels will be issued only after confirmation by the concerned port authorities regarding anchoring/berthing of the ship for loading of Non-basmati rice prior to the Notification.

Also, export will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their government.

West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-basmati rice from India. Other destination countries are Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote D’ Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon Somalia, Malaysia, Liberia, and UAE.

India in September 2022 banned the exports of broken rice and imposed a 20 per cent duty on exports of non-Basmati rice, except for parboiled rice amid concerns about overestimated low production due to a fall in area under the paddy crop. It later lifted the ban in November. (with inputs from agencies)

ALSO READ: Biden urges Israel not to rush ‘divisive’ judicial reforms

Previous Story

Biden’s science adviser, urges AI partnership with India

Next Story

Unprecedented exodus in Pakistan amidst economic turmoil

Latest from -Top News

U.S. Raises Alarm for Americans in Pakistan

Earlier, the US Department of State had issued a travel advisory in March, also urging its citizens to “reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”…reports Asian Lite

Khawaja Asif: Peace Only If India Backs Down

The Indian strikes and Islamabad’s retaliation has jolted locals who fear that it could potentially lead to a full-scale war between the two countries…reports Asian Lite Ndews Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

India Rising, Pakistan Crumbling

Pakistan is on the verge of economic collapse and is surviving on IMF loans, with its forex reserves down to $15 billion…reports Asian Lite News While Pakistan has threatened to respond forcefully

Israel backs India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’

The military operation struck camps and logistical hubs linked to terror groups held responsible for orchestrating the Pahalgam attack…reports Asian Lite News Israel has voiced strong support for India’s right to defend
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Central govt approves 4% hike in DA

This increase is based on the percentage increase in 12

Startup Boom Continues

The latest analysis from GlobalData’s Deals Database indicates that from