KATHMANDU, July 31: The government, citing the possible disruption in rice supply after India imposed a ban on restriction of non-Basmati products, has decided to take measures necessary to tackle the situation.

A meeting of the Central Monitoring and Evaluation Committee under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministries (OPMCM) led by the Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal held on Sunday discussed the possible shortage and price hike of the staple food due to the situation. Nepal imports large quantities of coarse rice and Jeera Masino rice from India.

The government records show that Nepal fulfills around 20 percent of its demand for rice through imports. Of around 7 million tons of demand, around 1.5 tons of rice is imported.

According to the OPMCM, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies have been assigned to look after maintaining adequate supply of the food grains. These ministries have been directed to fill the state-owned food storage warehouses, while they have been delegated authority for the joint market inspection.

On July 20, the Indian government announced a ban on export of non-Basmati white rice amid concern over rice supply in the Indian market. The measure is expected to impact around 80 percent of India's rice exports.

 
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