India approves export of 2 lakh metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Malaysia

The Indian government has authorized the export of 200,000 metric tons of non-basmati white rice to Malaysia through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). This approval comes despite a ban on non-basmati white rice exports imposed on July 20, 2023, aimed at boosting domestic supply. There are exceptions to meet the food safety requirements of some countries.

According to a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the export of 200,000 metric tons of non-basmati white rice to Malaysia is permitted through NCEL. National co-operative exports LTD is a multi-state cooperative society, jointly promoted by prominent cooperative organizations including the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), widely known as AMUL, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).

India has previously authorized similar exports to countries such as Nepal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Seychelles. This decision follows a request from Malaysia's Minister for Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who expressed a desire to strengthen friendly relations with India and proposed arrangements to secure rice supplies.