Karnal, October 19(Press Ki Taquat)

Haryana rice exporters have decided to suspend their strike and start purchasing basmati paddy from Friday. The decision comes after a meeting with the Central Government in Delhi this evening.

The exporters said they had been assured that their demands would be considered positively. Their association announced it would evaluate the upcoming stand of the government and take a final call on the issue at a general body meeting on October 27.

Citing that several varieties of basmati paddy were exported between $850 and $1,050 per tonne, they had demanded that the government should reduce the MEP.

“Our delegation held a meeting with the Central Government. We have been assured that our demand of lowering the MEP will be considered. We have reviewed the situation in the grain markets and advised the members to start purchasing basmati paddy. The process will start from Friday,” said Vijay Setia, former president of the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA).

“We are with farmers and do not want the farming community to suffer. The government should protect the interests of the rice exporters too,” said Setia.