India Eyes Global Rice Trade Hub Status Amid Geopolitical Turmoil
IREF President Prem Garg envisions India as a reliable global rice trade hub to ensure food security amid geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions.
Amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and severe disruptions in global shipping, India is positioning itself to become a global rice trade hub. Prem Garg, the President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), believes that India can emerge as a strong and dependable center for the rice industry at a time when the world is grappling with food security concerns.
Geopolitical Tensions and Food Security
Speaking at the Bharat India Rice Conference 2026, Garg highlighted that food security has transformed into a serious global worry. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, and significant disruptions in the Red Sea have crippled global shipping and trade routes.
These instabilities have led to extreme uncertainty regarding delivery timelines and freight costs, making it difficult for nations to rely on traditional supply chains. In this volatile environment, Garg asserts that India can provide the stability the world needs.
“At a time like this, we believe India can be a strong and reliable meeting place for the world rice industry. We want to build India into a global hub for rice trade where people from every country can meet, discuss problems and find solution together,” said Prem Garg.
India's Dominance in the Rice Market
The scale of India's agricultural output makes this ambition a realistic goal. According to the data shared by Garg, India's rice production for 2025-26 reached approximately 154 million tonnes. The economic impact is equally massive, with rice exports valued at roughly USD 12 billion.
Currently, India accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the global rice trade, cementing its role as a critical pillar in international food supply chains.
Empowering Small Exporters and Startups
While India's large-scale exporters already possess established markets and buyers, the IREF President pointed out a significant gap for smaller players. Many startups and young entrepreneurs possess high-quality products and ambitious goals but lack the network to reach international buyers.
Garg emphasized that a core objective of the IREF is to level the playing field. He noted that every industry giant started as a small business and deserves a fair opportunity to scale.
The Vision for Inclusive Growth
To achieve this, the IREF aims to bring international buyers directly to India. By providing a centralized platform, the federation hopes to:
- Allow small and new exporters to meet global buyers under one roof.
- Help emerging businesses build trust with international partners.
- Create pathways for small exporters to transition into major industry players.
Driving Quality and Profitability
Beyond just increasing volume, the federation is focused on the evolution of the product. The IREF aims to promote the production of high-quality, healthy, and value-added rice products to improve overall profitability within the industry.
By facilitating trade with reduced risks and increased trust between buyers and sellers, Garg envisions a future where the Bharat India Rice Conference (BIRC) becomes the largest dedicated meeting place for the global rice trade, inviting the world to look toward India for its rice needs.