ManagementGovt in discreet talks with 3 countries to import rice
Notwithstanding the government"s assertion that it has no immediate plan to import rice, it is understood to be in talks with a few rice-surplus countries to source the grain through the state channels.
"We are talking to three countries, including Thailand and Vietnam. Our holdings are not adequate, we have to import," a senior government official said.
While Minister of State for Commerce Jyotiraditya Scindia told the Lok Sabha of no plan to import rice, he indicated the possibility of doing the same. "However, if the trend of procurement shows shortfall, the government may, at an appropriate time, decide to consider import of rice to ensure availability of rice in the domestic market...," he said.