Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture will begin processing rice import applications as of August 4th.
Press Television said the Iranian government has decided to remove the ban on rice imports for four months, coinciding with the US harvest season, which coincides with the domestic rice crop season.
Rice is a staple food for Iranians, and many prefer high-quality crops grown in the northern part of the country over varieties imported from India and Pakistan.
However, rice imports are the main item in the ministry’s toolbox to regulate domestic markets and prevent price increases that could directly collide with consumers.
Last year, Iran harvested bumper rice amid better government incentives for farmers and comfortable weather conditions. The country produced 2.7 million tonnes of rice during the harvest season, which ended in October last year, an increase of 26% from the previous year.
Experts said at the time the government’s commitment to a seasonal ban on imports boosted domestic yields.
Official figures show that the country has reduced rice imports to about $1 billion a year as a result of the seasonal ban.
However, calls for the removal of the ban have increased amid the reported rice shortage that caused prices for some domestic varieties to reach an all-time high of 3.8 million rials ($4.3) per kilogram.
The government announced last month that it would continue to allocate subsidies to rice imports, helping to alleviate concerns that otherwise it could lead to a significant rise in staple food prices.
MNA