New Delhi, November 13 (HS): In a humanitarian move, the Central Government has granted Patanjali Ayurveda Limited a special exemption from the export ban, allowing the export of 20 metric tonnes (MT) of non-Basmati white rice to aid victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal. This one-time exemption was made in response to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Nepal holds significant importance as a market for Patanjali, and this gesture underscores the company’s commitment to helping those in need during times of crisis.
Earlier in October, DGFT had issued a notification permitting the export of 10,34,800 metric tonnes of non-Basmati white rice to seven countries, including Nepal, Cameroon, and Malaysia. The export of non-Basmati rice had been temporarily banned by the government on July 20, primarily to ensure sufficient domestic supplies. However, exceptions were made for select countries at their request.
It’s worth noting that a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal just before midnight on November 6, 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of 153 lives and leaving over 250 people injured.
This move by Patanjali Ayurveda to provide essential aid in the form of rice showcases the spirit of solidarity during times of crisis and reinforces the importance of humanitarian efforts.
Report by Indrani Sarkar and Manoj
Credit: Hindusthan Samachar