India has lifted its ban on non-basmati white rice exports and introduced a minimum export price of $490 per metric ton, according to a government order issued on Saturday (27 September 2024).

This move comes as the nation, the world's largest rice exporter, sees an increase in rice inventories and prepares for the upcoming harvest season.

The government initially banned the overseas shipment of non-basmati white rice on July 20, 2023, to enhance domestic supply. 

However, the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) noted in a recent notification that the policy has been amended from "prohibited to free," provided that the export meets the newly established minimum price.