The Federation of Tamil Nadu Rice Mill Owners Association and Paddy-Rice Dealers Associations on Sunday appealed to the Central and State Governments to exempt rice from GST and market cess. Association State president said that no tax was levied for rice and wheat by 26 States in the country so far. Now, the Centre imposed GST for rice sold with a brand name. To avail the exemption, the rice mill owners had to abandon their trade mark. Now, they have been selling rice in bags with registered or unregistered brand names locally to establish their quality and standard first time since independence. The Centre should not compare us with Basmati rice manufacturers, who were marketing their produces in the country and abroad.