On 22 November, the Government set a 5 percent subsidy on non-basmati rice exports under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) of the Ministry of Commerce. The measure became effective on 26 November and will last until 25 March 2019. It aims to boost exports and support domestic prices during the 2018 main kharif season harvest, currently underway and expected at a record level, as a result of high plantings and good yields supported by beneficial rains. Rice exports in the 2018 calendar year are forecast at around 12 million tonnes, close to last year’s record level, mainly reflecting ample market availabilities and strong demand from key importers in Africa and the Near East.