The Centre has prohibited the export of non-basmati white rice to ensure adequate domestic availability at reasonable prices. The domestic prices of rice are on an increasing trend and the retail prices have increased by over 11 per cent over a year. The Consumer Affairs Ministry said, the export duty of 20 percent on non-basmati white rice was imposed in August last year to lower the price as well as ensure availability in the domestic market. Non-Basmati White Rice constitutes about 25 percent of total rice exported from the country. The Ministry said, the prohibition on the export of Non-Basmati White Rice will lead to a lowering of prices for consumers in the country.
 
However, there is no change in the Export policy of Non-Basmati Rice, which forms the Bulk of Rice exports. The Ministry said, this will ensure that the farmers continue to get the benefit of remunerative prices in the international market.