The biggest export market for Indian basmati rice remains uncertain. Iran may not start importing from India this year until a political resolution is in place. Since US economic sanctions on Iran, India stopped importing crude oil from Iran.
Iran’s Basmati Rice Production Hits New High
It is the first time in many years that Iran declared self-sufficiency of basmati rice production. This would save basmati rice imports worth 1.1 billion dollars. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran’s basmati rice production stood at 2.3 million tonnes from March 2018 to March 2019. The Deputy Agriculture Minister, Abdolmehdi Bakhshandeh, estimated that Iran’s Basmati rice production in 2019 between 2.9 to 3 million tons. The average demand of 83 million people in the country sums up to three million tonnes for a year.
Iran Disappointed with Indian Government
The end of oil imports from Iran to India created tension among the two countries. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian foreign minister, stated that they expected India to be more resilient to US pressure. In the context of US sanctions, the minister refused the formation of any alliance against the US. He expressed disappointment in India for taking up US orders so easily. He further said that this action will stop import of basmati rice and other food products from India. Iran advised India to take actions that meet the interests of both countries.
Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Ties
Pakistan is all set to improve its trade relations with Iran. The recent visit of the parliamentary delegation of Pakistan to Iran discussed increase of trade between both the countries to its true potential. Iran bought around 20,000 tons of rice from Pakistan in 2018.
Abdul Razak Dawood, PM’s advisor for Commerce and Trade revealed that rice has the major share in Pakistan’s export basket. Rice worth two billion dollars is exported every year and this value will increase to five billion in the next five years. He further emphasized that the pakistan government is making efforts to enhance policies to increase production and quality of basmati rice. With Iran partnership strengthening, Pakistan basmati rice exporters may reap benefits this year.
In conclusion, the exporters and farmers will have to bear the consequences of the trade relations between the nations. Current harvest season of paddy fetched low prices to basmati growers and farmers are bearing current impact of Iran sanctions.