basmati rice exports

India's export strategy is showing strong results in FY26, with new markets and products driving growth. Ships, telecom instruments, and marine products are leading the charge, alongside a surge in handloom and agricultural exports. This diversification signals a move towards high-value manufacturing and technology, with Asia and Latin America showing significant demand.

India is poised to permit wheat exports to Egypt, Indonesia, and Myanmar due to surplus stocks. Rice shipments, including to war-torn Iran on humanitarian grounds, are also being considered. This move aims to free up storage space for upcoming winter crops and capitalize on increased demand amid global supply chain disruptions.

Demand for biryani in the Middle East has spurred basmati rice exports from India which registered a huge jump of Rs 9,890.58 crore in 2013-14 as compared to the previous season.

A senior government official urged industry representatives to absorb some of the rising raw material costs instead of passing them entirely to consumers. This statement comes as ministries address supply chain disruptions, particularly concerning packaging materials for essential goods like food and drugs, due to the West Asia conflict.

The Indian govt has taken a decisive step to curb the export of basmati rice priced below $1,200 per tonne. This measure is intended to counter the illicit practice of disguising non-basmati rice as premium basmati rice for unlawful shipment.

Rice exporters in Karnal, the hub of basmati rice exporters in Haryana, are looking for Chinese language interpreters to explore possibilities of starting exports to China.

West Asia's ongoing conflict is severely impacting India's premium basmati rice exports, with traders facing substantial losses and pending payments estimated between Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000 crore. This disruption threatens farmers' livelihoods as shipments are held at ports. The geopolitical tension also affects Indian workers and various other sectors reliant on West Asian trade routes and energy supplies.

Thousands of tonnes of Indian basmati rice exported to European countries in the last few months has been rejected after a private testing laboratory found excessive pesticides residuals in the samples drawn from the market.

The Indian government is considering a review of the minimum export price of basmati rice amid concerns from the industry that high prices are affecting outward shipments. Rice exporters are requesting that the minimum price be lowered to around $850 per tonne. The government's current minimum export price is $1,200 per tonne, implemented to prevent the illegal export of non-basmati rice disguised as premium basmati rice.

Basmati rice prices, recently elevated due to increased exports, are anticipated to decline due to potential export reductions to Iran amidst geopolitical tensions. Iran constitutes a significant importer of Indian basmati rice.