Overseas demand for parboiled rice has shot up following the Centre s decision to ban the export of raw, white rice on July 20, given apprehensions among global buyers that India may ban export of parboiled rice as well. Industry executives said if the government does not put an export duty on non-basmati parboiled rice, then the IR 64 variety, which is consumed by the common people, will go out of the reach of the people.
Angshu Mallick, MD of Adani Wilmar, said "Prices of non-basmati rice may fall by another 3% in coming weeks. Tur dal (pigeon pea) prices, which have gone up by 2-3%, will not see a further upswing as the government has decided to import it to keep prices under check. For the next two months, we do not see much rise in prices of these kitchen essentials."
Consumer staple companies are also taking steps to ensure water supply to their contract farmers in case of a shortage in rainfall, so that their supply line is not disrupted, industry officials said.