KARACHI, Jan 2: The rice export has declined by 7.56 per cent to 651,262 tons during first six months of the current fiscal year.

According to rice exporters here on Wednesday, the value of exported rice had also declined by 5.48 per cent to $174.926 million during July-December 2001.

Last year Pakistan exported about 704,537 tons worth $185.074 million during the same period.

A rice exporter said the reason for decline in overall rice export was drop in the export of Irri-6 due to price cut by China.

However, the export of basmati rice was increased, which somewhat compensated the decrease in Irri-6 export.

The export data shows that the combined export of Irri-6 and 9 rice was estimated at 419,465 tons during July-December 2001, with a value of $69.049 million.

The export of basmati stood at 203,613 tons worth $96.988 million during six months, of which super basmati was valued at $56 million.

The export of blended rice was 28,184 tons worth $8.878 million during the period under review.

During December 2001, exports of rice was 123,532 tons worth $27.257 million. Export of basmati was 23,195 tons worth $11.178 million and non-basmati 97,051 tons worth 15.055 million.—APP