India imposes 20% duty on rice exports of various grades

Villagers affected by flood dry their paddy crop on a road in Morigaon district in the northeastern state of Assam, India, May 24, 2022. REUTERS/Anuwar Hazarika/File Photo
India on Thursday imposed a 20% duty on exports of various grades of rice, according to a statement seen by Reuters, as the world's biggest exporter of the grain tries to calm local prices.
Below-average rainfall in key rice-producing states such as West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has raised concerns over rice production in a country that has already banned wheat exports and restricted sugar shipments this year.