Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi says easing export rules on basmati rice, onions will boost farmers' income, create rural jobs

The Government of India recently announced an increase in import duties on crude palm oil to 20% and on refined sunflower oil to 32.5%, aiming to bolster support for domestic oilseed farmers and processors. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi underscored the administration's dedication to farmers, who are vital for the nation's food security. In a post on X, he noted that the recent adjustments in agricultural export policies, such as the easing of export norms fo r basmati rice and onions, alongside the heightened import duties on edible oils, are intended to enhance farmers' incomes and create job opportunities in rural communities.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for these impactful decisions, which are designed to benefit farmers significantly. The reduction of the export duty on onions from 40% to 20% is expected to enable onion farmers to obtain better prices and improve export prospects. Furthermore, the elimination of the minimum export price for basmati rice aims to guarantee fair compensation for growers and stimulate demand for this premium rice variety. He also highlighted that the increase in the basic duty on refined oils to 32.5% is likely to boost demand for mustard, sunflower, and groundnut crops, ultimately providing farmers with better prices and fostering employment through the establishment of additional refineries in small and rural areas.

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