Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) is concerned at persistent decline in rice export for last few years and hopes that PML-N government will take urgent measures to boost rice export. Altaf Hussain, Secretary Reap said this while talking to Business Recorder at his office here Thursday. He said power loadshedding and poor law and order situation are chief factors behind reduction in rice export.
He said two varieties of rice dominate the market - one is Basmati which is largely cultivated in Punjab, and the other is Irri which is cultivated in Sindh. He said rice is the 3rd largest crop after wheat and cotton in the country. It also covers 10 percent of the total cropped area.
The secretary said total average annual rice production in the country is approximately six million tons per annum. Around two million tons is needed for domestic consumption while four million is exported. In 2010-11, total rice export stood at 4.6 million tons, but in 2011-12, it slipped to 3.7 million tons.
Replying to a question, Altaf said around 3.5 million tons rice export is expected this year. Total rice export during July 2012 to February 2013 have already touched more than $1 billion mark and during July-March this year, the country exported 35,000 tons Basmati rice and 2 million tons Irri, he added. He added that some unscrupulous elements are involved in black marketing of rice which is causing huge losses to the association.
The secretary held previous government responsible for reduction in rice export saying that it showed no interest in improving law and order situation and curbing electricity shortfall. He urged the government to take appropriate measures and encourage farmers to adopt latest technologies to increase rice production. Altaf hoped that the PML-N government would play its due role in boosting rice export and its trade. The government should also address all the issues of rice exporters.
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