New Delhi: Edible oil industry body SEA on Tuesday appealed to the government not to extend the ban on export of de-oiled rice bran beyond July 31, as domestic prices have slumped on increased supply of an alternative animal feed.

India typically exports 5-6 lakh tonne of de-oiled rice bran annually, mainly to Vietnam, Thailand and other Asian countries, positioning itself as a reliable supplier in the international market. However, the government prohibited exports of the commodity on July 28 last year, citing high fodder prices, with the ban initially imposed until March 31, 2024, and later extended till July 31.

De-oiled rice bran prices are now at lower levels and likely to decline further with increased availability of distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of the ethanol industry used as an animal feed, the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) said. "In view of the sharp fall in prices of de-oiled rice bran, the association has appealed to the government not to extend the prohibition beyond July 31, 2024," SEA said.