Pakistan has exported a total of 864,417 tons of Basmati rice worth $495 million in the year 2004-05 against 710,000 tons valued at $355 million exported in the year 2003-04. The figure of export of non-Basmati variety is not released but it is expected that a total of 1.3 million tons non-Basmati rice worth $435 million was exported in 2004-05.
According to sources, Pakistan rice export has touched the figure of $930 million in the year 2004-05 and it is destined to become the member of one billion-dollar club.
Sources said that Pakistan rice export has increased though the production has declined. The crop yield is declining in the country due to various reasons, including old seeds and shortage of water.
The value addition in Pakistani rice export has increased to 22 percent during the year 2004-05.
Abdul Rahim Janoo, the former chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap), while talking to Business Recorder, appreciated the tremendous efforts of rice exporters, who used their maximum potential to increase the rice export. He said that the government should abolish 5 percent duty imposed on the machinery so that the rice millers could install modern machinery in their mills. The packaging quality of rice must be improved to compete in the international markets, he added.
He suggested that the government should allow the exporters to import duty-free items, at least 25 percent of their total export. It would encourage the exporters and they would increase efforts for more exports. Janoo demanded of the government to pay its special attention over the research and development of rice seeds so that the crop yield could increase.
The growers need medium Basmati seed to compete their competitors of lower grade Basmati in the international market, he said. He said: "The research institute at Kala Shah Kaku is working for research and development of rice seeds but it is needed that the seed development department be privatised. He suggested that the research and development of rice seed should be given to the Reap or its representatives should be included in this process.
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