India allows export of seed of non-basmati rice, maize

NEW DELHI: The government has permitted export of seed of non-basmati rice and maize, partially relaxing the ban on these foodgrains imposed to check spiraling inflation.

This export permission would be subject to certain conditions, including certification that they are not fit for human consumption and feed purposes, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade notification said.

"Export packets will be labeled that seeds are treated with chemical insecticides and cannot be used for food or feed purposes," it said.

Exporters would have to submit a certificate of registration from an authorised state seed certifying agency that they are registered seed producer/dealer. They would also have to declare that the export consignment of seeds has been chemically treated and is not fit for human consumption.

The government had banned export of non-basmati rice in April and maize in July to boost supplies in the domestic market and check inflation that has since crossed the 12 per cent mark.