Pakistan to pip India in list of world's top rice exporters: Economic Times

NEW DELHI: For the first time in several years Pakistan is expected to pip India in the list of rice exporting countries because of export curb imposed here. According to the latest report of the US Agriculture Department (USDA), India will lose two ranks in the list to become the fourth largest rice exporter in calendar year 2008 while Pakistan would improve its position to third. In the USDA list of world's top 15 rice exporting countries, Thailand will remain at the top with an estimated 10 million export followed by Vietnam at 4.7 million tons. The report said Pakistan may export 3 million tons while India 2.8 million tons in 2008. India's rice exports may further take a dip to two million tons in 2009 while Pakistan will raise its overseas supply to 3.15 million tons, it said. Incidentally, this development has come in the 61st year of independence as both countries were liberated from the British rule in 1947. Commenting on the development, All India Rice Exporters Association President Vijay Sethia said, "India lost the opportunity which Pakistan and Vietnam took."

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