The Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEAI) has formally requested the Indian government to lift the ban on the export of Rice Bran Extraction (DORB) imposed in July 2023.

This appeal comes as the government recently ended restrictions on rice exports during September-October 2024, raising hopes that the ban on DORB exports would also be lifted. However, the government has yet to make any move regarding this issue.

The association argues that despite the ban on DORB exports, the price of milk has not decreased as expected. At the same time, the price of De-Oiled Rice Bran (DORB) has dropped significantly—from Rs 17,000 per tonne to Rs 10,000 per tonne—leading to substantial losses in the vegetable oil industry. SEAI urges the government to lift this export ban to alleviate the financial strain on the sector.

Additionally, the association has called for the resumption of futures trading in oilseeds and oils, including mustard, soybean, and crude palm oil.

The futures trading ban, which has been in effect since 2021, has disrupted price discovery, affecting farmers, traders, and the oil industry.

SEAI has appealed to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Union Finance Ministry to lift the ban and restore futures trading in these commodities to help stabilize the market.