Singapore urges India to exempt it from export ban on non-basmati rice
- The Singapore Food Agency said it was in close contact with New Delhi to seek exemption from the embargo
- It added there is enough rice for everyone in the city state ‘if everyone buys just what we need’
India’s consumer affairs and food ministry said the country would ban exports of non-basmati white rice, which accounts for about a quarter of its total exports. The move would “ensure adequate availability” and “allay the rise in prices in the domestic market”, it added.
Non-basmati rice from India makes up about 17 per cent of Singapore’s imported rice, SFA said.
In 2022, India accounted for about 40 per cent of Singapore’s imported rice, said the agency, adding that the latter imports rice from more than 30 countries.
“SFA is working closely with importers to increase the import of different varieties of rice from various sources. Singapore is also in close contact with the Indian authorities to seek exemption from the ban,” said SFA in its statement.