June 26, 2009
India to watch rains before deciding on grain exports
India will monitor the progress of the annual monsoon rains before taking a decision on easing export bans on non-basmati rice and wheat, T. Nandkumar, the farm secretary, said Thursday (June 25).
India banned the export of non-basmati rice in 2007 and in the same year extended a previous ban on wheat exports to curb inflation and ensure adequate local supplies.
Since then, inflation has eased and foodgrain stocks are comfortable, but there are concerns now about the 2009 crop output as the government has forecast the annual monsoon rains will be below normal.
