Even as consumers have welcomed the Government’s decision to ban export of non-basmati rice, millers and exporters flagged concerns over the move saying that it had adversely impacted them. The rice millers and exporters said prices of the banned commodity have started falling as soon as the Government announced the decision which has eventually affected their businesses. “In addition to this, most of the millers have cut short processing of rice which is further putting financial burden on them. Majority of millers are operating at only 10 per cent of their total capacity. This has further made many workers job less,” said Peeyush Sachani, Nagpur-based miller. Processing of non-basmati white rice is done in 750 to 800 rice mills located in five districts of Vidarbha region including Nagpur.

 

Sachani told The Hitavada that a sizable quantity of non-basmati rice was being exported from the region. “However, the Government has now abruptly banned the commodity which led to a fall in rice prices by Rs 400 to Rs 500 per quintal. This price difference has become a big cause of concern for the millers who are sitting on huge stocks of rice,” he said. The price of non-basmati white rice came down to Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,400 per quintal on Friday from Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,000 per quintal before the ban.

 

Umesh Motwani, one of the leading rice exporters, also said the exporters are facing hardship due to the ban. “The Government should have given us some time to clear the stock. This ban has disrupted the entire supply chain. It will even affect the farmers in coming days,” Motwani said. The Government has imposed the ban after retail rice prices jumped nearly 3 per cent in a month after late but heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage to crops. In the meanwhile, consumers bearing the brunt of rising prices of various essential commodities welcomed the decision.

Jitendra Jadhav, a consumer buying rice in a Kalamna market on Saturday, said falling prices of rice gave much needed relief to him. “This price cut ahead of the festival season is making us happy. We want the Government to take similar steps to bring down the prices of other commodities,” he added.