Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan says shipments worth over ₹2,000 crore stuck, farmers and exporters severely affected
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has drawn the attention of the Central Government to the serious crisis facing Basmati rice exporters, urging immediate intervention to safeguard the interests of farmers, millers and exporters. He stated that exporters are under severe stress due to growing uncertainty in Iran, a key market for Punjab’s Basmati rice.
Sandhwan said that Basmati rice consignments worth more than ₹2,000 crore are currently stuck, with payments remaining stalled. The disruption in trade with Iran has created a ripple effect across Punjab’s agricultural economy, impacting not only exporters but also farmers and rice mill owners.
According to the Speaker, Iran has traditionally been one of the largest importers of Indian Basmati rice. However, the prevailing instability and uncertainty have led to delays and disruptions in shipments, causing serious liquidity problems for exporters. As a result, mandi prices of Basmati rice have crashed, directly affecting farmers who are already struggling with rising input costs.
He emphasized that the crisis is not limited to big exporters alone. Small and medium traders are also facing mounting financial pressure due to blocked payments and unsold stock. The prolonged delay is weakening the entire supply chain linked to Basmati rice, which is a major contributor to Punjab’s rural economy.
Sandhwan appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent and decisive intervention to resolve the issue. He stressed that timely diplomatic efforts and policy-level solutions are needed to restore confidence in trade with Iran and ensure smooth payment mechanisms for exporters.
He warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, Punjab’s economy could suffer long-term damage. Reiterating the importance of Basmati rice as a key agricultural and export commodity, Sandhwan urged the Centre to take immediate steps to protect the livelihoods of farmers and the future of the Basmati rice export industry.