July 14: The import of paddy from Birgunj, the country's main trading port, has increased considerably. Entrepreneurs say that the decrease in the import of rice and increase in the import of its raw material, paddy is a positive indication.

The data of Birgunj Customs Office shows that the import of paddy through this checkpoint increased by 60 percent in 11 months of the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24).

According to Information Officer of Birgunj Customs, Ram Chandra Dhakal, industries of Bara and Parsa import paddy through this check point. Most of the big rice industries are operating in the same area and are dependent on imported paddy.

In the review period, 335,000 metric tons of rice worth Rs 12.37 billion were imported from India.

According to the customs data, 43,325 tons of rice of different brands was imported last year from Birgunj, but this year it was limited to 32,597 tons. Imports of rice have been affected after India, imposed a 20 percent duty on exports. India adopted such a policy to control prices in the domestic market.

Initially, India also levied duties on paddy exports, which was lifted after the initiative of local entrepreneurs. India has set an export quota of 600,000 tons of paddy for Nepal this year. This amount is 100,000 tons more than the previous year.

Import of wheat through this checkpoint on the other hand decreased by 77 percent. In the previous year, 21,395 metric tons of wheat were imported in 11 months, but this year only 4,902 tons were imported. India has set a quota of 50,000 tons of wheat to be exported to Nepal annually. The data shows that the import of food grains including buckwheat, millet and bran through this check point also decreased.