Pandey told mediapersons on Friday that due to inadequate sowing of paddy, mainly owing to poor rainfall in rice bearing states like
The government's decision to ban rice exports and impose export duty is aimed at arresting domestic prices and ensuring availability of rice, sources said.
At the same time, Pandey claimed that there will be surplus rice production in the country.
Poor rain have also led to decrease in paddy acreage in many rice states and is down by 38 lakh hectares, he informed.
Rice is also provided to PDS beneficiaries under
The scheme which started during the Covid pandemic in March 2020 is scheduled to end on September 30.
On being asked whether it would be extended beyond September, Pandey refused to comment.
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