Commodity-wise, paddy sowing is at 328.22 lakh hectares, as against 312.80 lakh hectares same period last year. Notably, India in July amended the rice export norms by putting non-basmati white rice, a major export item, in the "prohibited" category.
After scanning the aisles at the local Patel Brothers, Apna Bazaar, Lotte Plaza and other South Asian grocery stores for Sona Massori, a staple rice relished by her mother in law and son, Aruna was relieved not to have returned home empty handed but with a bag of rice.
The export policy relating to non-basmati white rice (Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed: Other) has been revised from "free" to "prohibited"