Rice Exporters Demand Export Lift From North Varieties Of Rice.

New Delhi,  (PTI) Rice exporters today demanded that the government allow exports of premium varieties of non-basmati rice grown in north such as ''Sugandha'' and ''Sharbati'' on the lines of the decision taken with regard to South Indian varieties yesterday.

"The decision taken by the government seems to be an incomplete decision and this will benefit states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka," All India Rice Exporters Association President Vijay Setia said reacting to government''s decision to lift ban on three rice varieties.

"Instead of commercial or economic decision, it looks like a political decision keeping an eye on elections in the southern states," Setia added.

He, however, noted that this would definitely help farmers of South India, who were getting less price for their premium rice.

Buoyed by prospects of higher rice production this year, the government yesterday decided to lift the three-year old ban on exports by allowing shipment of three varieties of the non-basmati grain grown in the four southern states.

The three varieties-- Ponni-Samba, Rosematta and Sona Masuri--are grown in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Source : news.in.msn.com