December 14, 2022
Abir Ranjan Biswas raised during Zero Hour the issue of the need for revoking 20% customs duty on gobindobhog rice
Sir, Gobindobhog is a short grain, rice variety cultivated in West Bengal. It has been given a Geographical Indication tag in 2017, and is known for its distinctive taste and cultural significance. : There are many distinctive dishes made from it, and it is offered to the Govindaji deity as well.This rice is exported to Europe and the gulf countries and fetches its growers a high price. The Government of West Bengal had encouraged farmers in suitable areas to replace cultivation of coarse grain rice with this premium variety, so as to enhance their incomes. In September, 2022 the Government of India imposed a 20 per cent customs duty on the export of this rice variety.Sir, this has greatly affected its sales abroad, and dampened the Government’s efforts to improve the farmers’ livelihoods.Sir, another premium aromatic rice variety, the basmati rice, has been exempted from the 20 per cent customs duty on its export. It is only fair that other niche aromatic rice varieties get the same benefit. I urge the Government of India to exempt Gobindobhog rice from the 20 per cent customs duty and encourage its export.
