40% of the rice crop has been affected due to floods in Sindh, Rafiq Sulaiman.

Karachi (12-03-2023) Convener of Rice Exports Committee of Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), former Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REP) Rafiq Sulaiman said that due to flood in Sindh. 40% of the rice crop has been affected due to which non-basmati rice exports have decreased by 15% and overall rice exports have decreased due to the prevailing conditions, Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rice Exports Give suggestions to the government to improve those who are currently suffering so that the rice export targets can be achieved. He expressed these views while addressing the third meeting of the Rice Exports Committee of FPCCI yesterday. FPCCI vice presidents Shabbir Mansha, Shaukat Ali Sulaiman, Haji Muhammad Yaqoob, former senior vice president FPCCI Abdul Rahim Janu, REP chairman Chela Ram Kiwalani and prominent exporters of rice were also present in the meeting. Rafiq Sulaiman said that in the 8th month of this year, the export of basmati rice has decreased by 25% while the export of non-basmati has decreased by 29%. Pakistani rice is exported to 116 countries around the world, the current situation in which electricity , due to non-availability of gas, increasing price of petrol exporters are suffering a lot and they are loosening their market, I strongly appeal to the government of Pakistan to pay special attention to the export industry so that Exporters can export more. Rafiq Sulaiman added that there is a great demand for 386 Pakistani rice in Somalia, soon a trade delegation of rice exporters will also go to Somalia to increase the export of Pakistani rice. Abdul Rahim Janu said that if the current situation continues, there is a possibility of a huge decrease in exports and there will be a significant decrease in domestic foreign exchange. He said that after Eid-ul-Fitr, FPCCI and Rice Exporters Association will organize a biryani festival with mutual cooperation in which ambassadors, commercial attachés, government officials of all countries will be invited. To highlight the importance, in this biryani festival, dishes prepared from different types of rice will be made. Shabir Mansha said that Kazakhstan has emerged as a new market and direct flights are starting here from the month of April. Due to which the export of Pakistani rice can be increased in this market. Chela Ram Kevalani said that due to the rise and fall of the dollar, both imports and exports have been badly affected, the government has increased the interest rate and the business community is facing a lot of difficulties.