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Indian rice exporters are setting their sights on emerging markets such as Iraq, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia to boost exports, driven by a higher-than-average monsoon harvest in 2025.
Speaking to the media, Dev Garg, Vice President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), stated, “India has emerged as a key player in global rice trade. Our current focus is on tapping underserved markets to enhance exports, especially with domestic stockpiles at robust levels.”
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India harvested a record 146.1 million tons of rice in the crop year ending June 2025, significantly exceeding domestic demand of 120.7 million tons. Government stockpiles have also reached historic highs following consecutive bumper harvests.
Garg noted that exporters have identified 26 potential markets, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Vietnam, Japan, Mexico, and China, for market share expansion. “Many of these markets currently source rice from other suppliers, but we aim to offer tailored rice varieties to increase our share and benefit farmers,” Garg emphasized.
Targeted rice varieties include basmati, non-basmati, and GI-tagged rice, poised to replace approximately $20 billion worth of imports from non-Indian suppliers. These markets will be a focal point at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, scheduled for October 30–31 in New Delhi, where global exporters will convene to finalize trade agreements.
Organized by IREF in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), BIRC 2025 is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global food supply chain.
India currently accounts for nearly 40% of global rice exports, surpassing the combined exports of the next four largest exporters—Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the U.S. Abundant monsoon rainfall this year is projected to further bolster production, providing exporters with ample opportunities to expand their international footprint.
Source: Reuters
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