Logistics, Trade Pacts & Policy: The Blueprint to Boost India's Rice Exports
Industry leaders at BIRC 2026 discuss how better logistics, FTAs, and policy support can scale India's rice exports to global markets.
India's ambition to dominate the global rice market requires more than just high-quality grains; it demands a complete overhaul of logistics, strategic use of trade agreements, and forward-thinking government policies. This was the central theme at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 held in New Delhi, where industry stalwarts and policymakers gathered to map out the future of India's rice trade.
The Logistics Hurdle: Beyond Quality and Price
While India is renowned for its rice production, experts argue that the "last mile" of the export journey is where the real battle for competitiveness is fought. Ravi Gupta, Executive Director and Board Member of Shree Renuka Sugars Limited, raised critical questions about India's current logistical readiness.
Gupta emphasized that timely delivery to international buyers is just as crucial as pricing and quality. He specifically called for the optimized use of ports in West Bengal and Odisha, highlighting the potential of the Haldia port. According to Gupta, a comprehensive policy dedicated to facilitating agricultural cargo shipments is essential to ensure that Indian rice reaches global shores efficiently.
Unlocking the Power of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
The role of diplomacy and trade pacts in opening new doors was a major point of discussion. Tarun Bajaj, former Director of SEBI and Senior Consultant at APLOA, noted that Free Trade Agreements have provided a significant "bonus" to the industry by reducing tariffs and making export procedures more predictable.
Adding to this, Prashant Raizada from EY pointed out a startling gap in market penetration. He revealed that the UK and Australia currently account for only 1.26 per cent and 0.38 per cent of India's total rice exports, respectively. This suggests a massive untapped opportunity for growth in these regions, provided exporters leverage existing FTAs effectively.
Ambitious State Goals and Market Shifts
The conference highlighted that the drive for export growth is happening at the state level as well. Shubhranshu Mishra, Additional Secretary for the Government of Odisha and Managing Director of APICOL, shared a bold vision for his state: increasing rice exports from approximately Rs 321 crore to a staggering Rs 10,000 crore by 2047.
Mishra argued that exports should not be a "residual approach"—meaning India should not simply export what is left over. Instead, he advocated for a strategy that identifies international demand first and then develops production and aggregation systems to meet those specific needs.
Navigating Regulations and Compliance
Stability and compliance remain the two biggest pillars for long-term success. Rajesh Paharia of KRIBHCO Agri noted that while the 2025-26 period saw relatively few policy disruptions, exporters must remain vigilant. He specifically mentioned the need to navigate changing import regulations in key African markets, such as Kenya and Senegal.
Further complicating the landscape is the issue of quality control. Rajiv Kumar, Executive Director of The Rice Exporters Association (TREA), stressed the urgency of addressing pesticide-residue compliance. He warned that failing to meet these strict international standards leads to shipment rejections, which damages India's reputation and financial bottom line.
Key Takeaways for the Future of Rice Trade:
- Infrastructure: Better utilization of eastern ports like Haldia to streamline shipping.
- Market Expansion: Targeting high-potential markets in Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and the UK.
- Government Support: Utilizing APEDA's export promotion schemes, which are expected to be operational shortly.
- Finance: Exploring international trade finance and humanitarian procurement programs to diversify revenue.
The event also saw the launch of a new book, “The Rice Economy: India, the World and the Future of Rice” by Dr Prem Garg, which provides a deep dive into the sector's trajectory. The BIRC 2026 continues in New Delhi until October 25, serving as a vital bridge between Indian exporters and international buyers.