India last month decided to ban the export of non-basmati white rice. The Center took this step to contain the prices in the domestic market. On the one hand, due to this decision, there was a danger of increasing the prices of rice in many countries. At the same time, the decision is proving beneficial for the rice exporters of neighboring Pakistan.

Chela Ram Kewlani, president of the Pakistan Rice Exporters Association, said India's ban on the export of non-basmati white rice has led to an increase in export orders from Pakistani companies. Kevalani said on Wednesday, “After the ban, there is a huge demand for Pakistani rice in the global market. International buyers are now turning to Pakistani exporters.

“This year Pakistan is expected to export rice worth more than $3 billion. The price of basmati rice has increased by $ 100 per tonne. Pakistani non-basmati rice was priced at US$450 per tonne before India banned the export of non-basmati white rice. However, now it has increased to US$ 500 per tonne in the international market. Depending on the quality, the price can even reach up to US$ 600 per tonne.

Kevalani said that apart from growing demand from the US, UK and other European countries, Russia has also shown interest in buying five million tonnes of rice from Pakistan. He said that we are in talks with 27 Russian companies for export of non-basmati rice. In addition, talks are also on for the export of Pakistani rice by Mexico.

He said Indian non-basmati white rice is in great demand in the global market, which is why the ban has helped Pakistani exporters.