Rice exports from India continue to grow due to attractive prices offered. Non-Basmati exports to reach 10 million tonnes in 2020-21.
Non-Basmati Exports Increase
While India exported 5.04 million tonnes of non-basmati in the 2019-20 season, the volume of the same in 2017-18 stood at 8 million tonnes. This year, the nation exported seven million tonnes till November alone. Vinod Kaul, executive director, AIREA explains that there is a massive demand for Indian non-basmati rice from African countries and southeast Asian nations, including Thailand and Vietnam. Further, India’s continuing rice exports even during the lockdown, has increased its reliability as a supplier. Non-basmati rice exports in November 2020 were 159% higher at 0.90 million tonnes as against last year’s 0.35 million tonnes at the same time.
Exporters Quoting a Low Price To Get Tender From Bangladesh
India will export 2.5 lakh tonnes of rice to Bangladesh over the next few months. Out of this, it will send 1.5 lakh tonnes through government-to-government deals. Dhaka has already floated tenders for importing 3.10 lakh tonnes of rice. Indian firms have won five tenders. However, the remaining two tenders for 50,000 tonnes and 10,000 tonnes will close on January 20 and January 18.
An export official from MNC said that exporters are taking an inappropriate risk by outbidding each other for a lower price. Further, mentioning the congestion and limitations of a river-based port, he explained that they could face unloading problems at Bangladesh ports.
Bangladesh’s Rice Imports To Reach 20 lakh tonnes
India can gain due to the high demand for rice from Bangladesh. While India is quoting USD385-390 for five per cent broken parboiled rice, Thailand and Vietnam are exporting it between USD505 to USD520. Also, freight charges will be cheaper as India is a neighbour.
In all, India’s rice exports have gained this year due to the considerable price difference from its competitors.