New Delhi: Details of quantum and value of basmati rice exported from the country to various countries, including Iran, during the last three years (top 10 countries), are as under:
Quantity in lakh MT; Value in US$ Million
| Country Name | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | |||
| Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | |
| Saudi Arabia | 8.26 | 1108.90 | 9.67 | 1188.23 | 9.49 | 842.22 |
| Iran | 14.40 | 1834.55 | 9.36 | 1108.50 | 6.95 | 571.19 |
| UAE | 1.48 | 196.51 | 2.79 | 314.76 | 6.12 | 475.18 |
| Iraq | 2.20 | 271.14 | 2.35 | 259.13 | 4.18 | 340.97 |
| Kuwait | 1.76 | 247.95 | 1.66 | 250.53 | 1.81 | 211.68 |
| U K | 1.19 | 130.73 | 1.36 | 147.63 | 1.88 | 143.14 |
| U S A | 1.03 | 143.86 | 0.89 | 132.30 | 1.21 | 131.55 |
| Yemen Republic | 1.47 | 183.94 | 1.74 | 196.15 | 1.42 | 110.49 |
| Oman | 0.43 | 58.63 | 0.56 | 68.83 | 1.05 | 92.84 |
| Canada | 0.29 | 37.97 | 0.26 | 37.51 | 0.36 | 38.49 |
| Other Countries | 5.03 | 650.73 | 6.37 | 814.69 | 5.97 | 519.64 |
| Total | 37.54 | 4864.91 | 37.02 | 4518.26 | 40.45 | 3477.39 |
| Source: DGCI&S | ||||||
In order to protect its domestic paddy growers, Iran has been imposing temporary ban (usually from end July to early January of next year) on import of rice. The ban was imposed w.e.f. 21st July 2016. However, the ban is not India-specific.
A 20-member trade delegation, led by the Chairman, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), visited Iran from January 28-30, 2017. Meetings were held with the Departments of Government of Iran and importers’ association. A sales promotion event was organized on January 29, 2017, which was attended by about 250 participants, including media, Government officials and importers.
APEDA directly, and through All India Rice Exporters Association, participates in trade fairs in Iran to promote export of Basmati rice along with other agro products. APEDA, under its plan scheme, also provides assistance to exporters for building up image of their brands through advertisement in print and electronic media.
This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. NirmalaSitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
