India’s Rice Export Surge after Lifting Curbs

Jan. 11, 2026

Why in News?

India, the world’s largest rice exporter, witnessed a sharp rebound in rice exports in 2025 after the Union government lifted all export restrictions imposed during 2022–23.
The move has significant implications for global food prices, food security, agricultural trade policy, and India’s role in the Global South.

What’s in Today’s Article?

Key Developments:

Sharp rise in rice exports:
- India’s rice exports rose 19.4% in 2025 to 21.55 million metric tonnes, the second-highest on record.
- This is close to the 2022 peak of 22.3 million tonnes. Exports had stood at 18.05 million tonnes in 2024.
- Increased Indian supply pushed Asian rice prices to their lowest level in nearly a decade.
- This has also reduced shipments from Thailand and Vietnam, India’s key competitors.
Composition of exports:
- Non-Basmati rice:
  - Exports surged 25% to 15.15 million tonnes. Major destinations are Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Djibouti.
  - This indicates India’s role in food security for developing countries, especially Africa.
- Basmati rice:
  - Exports increased 8% to a record 6.4 million tonnes. Key buyers are Iran, UAE, and the United Kingdom.
  - This reflects strong demand for premium agricultural exports.
India’s dominance in global rice trade:
- India exports more rice than the combined exports of Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
- This reinforces India’s position as a “food security provider” in the developing world.

Reasons for Export Rebound:

Policy relaxation: The government lifted the last export curbs in March 2025, including bans and minimum export prices. These curbs were earlier imposed to control domestic inflation and food prices.
Record domestic production: Improved supplies due to record rice output, ensuring domestic availability.
Price competitiveness: Indian rice is priced lower than Thailand and Vietnam, helping India regain lost global market share.

Overview of India’s Rice Production and Exports:

Production overview:
- Leading producer: India is the top global rice producer, surpassing China, accounting for roughly 40% of global supply.
- Major producing states: Include Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh.
- Record output: Production reached a record 137.8 million tonnes (LMT) in 2023-24, with forecasts for even higher output in 2025-26.
- Success is attributed to: Favorable monsoons, increased planting area, technological advancements like the introduction of high-yielding dwarf varieties (e.g., IR-8, Jaya), and policy support. Though, India is facing scrutiny over water-intensive
Export dominance:
- Top exporter: India leads the world in rice exports, often exceeding the combined exports of the next three largest exporters.
- Major destinations: Key markets include Bangladesh, Benin, Nepal, UAE, Iran, and European nations, with new markets emerging.

Challenges and Way Ahead:

Balancing domestic food security: With export competitiveness. Strengthen buffer stock management to avoid abrupt export bans.
Risk of price volatility: If exports surge during weak monsoon years. Adopt a predictable and transparent export policy to enhance farmer confidence.
Overdependence on rice exports: May discourage crop diversification. Use rice exports as a tool of food diplomacy, especially with Africa and South Asia. Encourage value-added rice products to increase export earnings.
Climate risks: Affecting future production consistency. Promote climate-resilient rice varieties and water-efficient practices.

Conclusion:

India’s post-curb rice export surge underscores the country’s pivotal role in global agricultural markets and food security.
While competitive pricing and policy relaxation have strengthened India’s export leadership, a calibrated approach balancing domestic food security, farmer welfare, and global responsibility will be crucial for sustainable agricultural trade

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