India's rice exports surge as prices undercut rivals and global demand rises

Indian rice exports increased 13% in value during the first half of the fiscal year, reaching Rs 54,937.71 crore, according to the Indian Rice Exporters Federation. Vice President Dev Gard noted that Indian rice is priced at least 10% below competitors such as Thailand and Myanmar, giving it a competitive edge as global demand rises, especially with potential production shortfalls from El Niño. The country produced over 154 million tonnes of rice in the 2025-26 crop year, creating surplus stock to meet this demand.

Gard expects export volumes to exceed the USDA's projection of 24 million tonnes, building on last year's 22 million tonnes. He highlighted the Iran crisis as a risk to basmati sales, which account for more than 74% of basmati exports to the Middle East, and cautioned that prolonged conflict could curb buyers' willingness to pay high prices. The three-day Bharat International Rice Conference, attended by delegates from more than 150 countries, is showcasing over 200 rice varieties and value-added products to secure additional export orders. Gard urged the government to maintain one outlet liberal trade policy, noting the absence of export duties or price controls.