Government of India Temporarily Bans Non-Basmati Rice Export Amidst Soaring Domestic Prices
New Delhi, July 22: In response to the surge in domestic rice prices, the Government of India has implemented a temporary ban on the export of non-basmati rice. India, being the largest exporter of non-basmati rice globally, particularly renowned for finer varieties like sona masuri, has taken this measure to stabilize the local market. However, experts believe that this decision also underscores the need for a comprehensive assessment of the rice export market to ensure long-term sustainability.
The increase in global demand for rice has significantly contributed to the rising exports, primarily triggered by droughts and crop failures in various regions. Moreover, several countries are reducing their rice cultivation areas due to the crop’s high water consumption and environmental impact. Statistics indicate that every acre of rice production demands approximately 60 lakh liters or 6,000 cubic meters of water, with rice production alone accounting for over 45% of total water usage. Shockingly, each ton of rice is estimated to consume about 1848 cubic meters of water, effectively implying that by exporting rice, India is effectively exporting water itself. With around 22 million tons of rice exported, the staggering water footprint stands at 40.674 billion cubic meters, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability.
The consequences of creating additional water potential in India have been multi-faceted, encompassing ecological, economic, and social costs. Ecologically, the escalating groundwater depletion, soil degradation, salinity increase, and deforestation for constructing large dams have become alarming issues. On the economic front, the burden of providing irrigation water, offering free power, and fertiliser subsidies has intensified. Simultaneously, social costs have manifested in disparities between states concerning subsidies and procurement, as well as imbalances in support for different crops.
To mitigate the impending ecological crisis and alleviate water-related challenges, the government and states are exploring sustainable production models. Encouraging farmers to adopt low water-use methods like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and Direct Seeded Dry Rice Production has become imperative. By embracing these practices, India can potentially offset the concerns associated with rice export and create a more sustainable agricultural landscape.
As the ban on non-basmati rice export remains in effect, policymakers are contemplating long-term strategies to strike a balance between meeting global demand and safeguarding the nation’s vital resources. Ensuring the sustainable growth of the rice export market while prioritizing water conservation and ecological preservation has emerged as a critical challenge for the nation’s agricultural future.
