The Agriculture Ministry has banned rice imports until further notice, saying the measure is aimed at giving support to local farmers and balancing supply and demand in the market, deputy agriculture minister, Shapour Alaei, announced.
“The ban will positively stimulate the market by preparing the ground for the purchase of Iranian rice,” he was quoted as saying by IRNA.
Ban on rice imports are imposed seasonally by the government, though last year (March 2022-23) it was not implemented. This year, the measure is taking effect earlier than expected.
The secretary of the Association of Rice Suppliers and Importers criticized the ban on imports, saying rice imports at cheap prices are essential to cover the production deficit, noting that rice is a staple food for six lower income deciles of the Iranian population.
“Therefore, any plan to ban and limit the import of this product will affect the food security of this group,” Masih Keshavarz was also quoted as saying by the Tehran Chamber of Commerce’s news portal.