Basmati growers reject MEP removal

LAHORE- The Basmati Growers Association on Wednesday strongly rejected the removal of Minimum Export Price (MEP) on non-Basmati rice and termed it as an anti farmer step and action against fair and free trade.

According to a news release issued in this regard, they said that MEP for all non-Basmati varieties including Irri-6 has been completely scrapped by the Ministry of Commerce in a notice issued on 23rd August. “It is a matter of great concern for the rice farmers as the new crop is beginning to pour into the markets. This step will drastically reduce the prices of paddy to the farmer,” they said.