India Allows Rice Shipments to the Philippines and Six Other Countries

In July, India banned overseas shipments of non-basmati white rice to ensure food security in the country. Now, India has lifted its export ban on non-basmati white rice, allowing shipments to seven countries, including the Philippines.

Aside from the Philippines, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced that exports would be allowed for Nepal, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Malaysia, and Seychelles.

The Philippines has been given the largest allocation of 295,000 metric tons (MT). The shipments will be coursed through India’s National Cooperative Exports Ltd.

According to a government source, India is unlikely to consider any more requests for rice supplies until farmers gather their new-season crop. Indian farmers have just started harvesting rice crops. The government is eager to shore up its inventories by buying large volumes of the new season harvest from farmers.

No other details were provided. However, the development is expected to help bring down rice inflation, especially in the Philippines.