Shillong, July 28: Arani, Tamil Nadu, a major area for rice production and export, faces uncertainty due to the Centre’s ban on rice exports. The ban has left rice farmers and mill owners in Tiruvannamalai district concerned about the future of their rice business.
Arani and Kalampur are renowned for producing popular rice varieties such as Ponni, Sona Deluxe, HMT, IR 50, and PTD. These varieties are highly sought after in markets across Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, and all South Indian states, as well as Gulf countries.
IANS reported that the rice mill owners expressed their worry about the regular flow of rice that was previously reaching both domestic and foreign markets. With the ban in place, they fear that rice could accumulate in warehouses, disrupting the steady supply chain.
Adding to their concern, the rice mill owners revealed that there was no price difference between the rice sold in domestic and foreign markets. As a result, their profits would remain unchanged, but the ban could still significantly impact their businesses.
The storage facilities are also causing distress among mill owners, as an extended ban could lead to a surplus of rice that the present godowns might not be able to accommodate. This, in turn, could result in rice spoilage and substantial losses for the mill owners.
Farmers, too, share the apprehension caused by the ban. They worry that a surplus of rice in the market would decrease demand, leading to financial losses for them as well.