India Can Export 20-25 Million Tonnes of Rice Annually, Says Expert
Industry expert Prem Garg reveals India's potential to export 20-25 million tonnes of rice annually amid growing global demand and strong domestic stocks.
India is positioned to become a powerhouse in the global grain market, with the potential to export between 20 and 25 million metric tonnes of rice every year. This optimistic outlook was shared by Prem Garg, President of the IERF, during the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 held in New Delhi.
Speaking at a specialized knowledge session titled “Top 10 Rice Markets to Watch in 2027: Demand Signals and Entry Strategies,” Garg emphasized that India's ability to hit these massive export numbers is backed by robust domestic supplies and substantial buffer stocks, ensuring the country can meet international demand without compromising internal security.
Targeting New Global Frontiers
The conference delved deep into the emerging opportunities across various continents, including Asia, Europe, the Gulf, North and South America, and particularly Africa. The discussions highlighted that Africa remains a fertile ground for Indian rice exporters.
Garg specifically pointed toward Nigeria, which continues to import rice in vast quantities, and Madagascar, which has already shown demand by importing rice this year. Other West African nations, such as Benin and Burkina Faso, were also identified as key markets, though experts noted that navigating their changing import policies and regulatory requirements is essential for success.
Navigating Challenges and Competition
While the potential is immense, the road to 25 million tonnes is not without hurdles. The session identified several critical challenges facing the global trade of rice:
- Climate Risks: The potential impact of El Niño on global production and subsequent supply disruptions.
- Market Volatility: Rising prices that can affect buyer behavior.
- International Rivalry: Intense competition from Vietnam, which remains a primary competitor in the global arena.
Nitin Gupta, contributing to the session, reaffirmed India's status as a highly competitive supplier, but stressed the need to strengthen the country's footprint in the non-basmati rice segment to counter other major exporting nations.
Diversification and Value Addition
Industry leaders argued that India should not rely solely on volume and low pricing. Instead, the focus should shift toward the diversity of its produce and the quality of its offerings.
The Power of Variety
India's vast array of regional rice varieties, such as Sona Masoori and Govindobhog, were highlighted as strategic assets. By promoting these specialized varieties, India can cater to specific consumer preferences and penetrate niche market segments that value variety over generic bulk supply.
Moving Beyond Price Wars
Manisha Gupta emphasized a critical shift in strategy: moving away from price-based competition. She urged the industry to embrace value addition, enhancing the product to meet the evolving requirements of modern buyers and consumers, which would ensure sustainable, long-term growth.
The Roadmap for Exporters
The consensus among the BIRC 2026 participants was that a "one size fits all" approach will not work. To maximize exports, Indian traders must adopt market-specific strategies. This includes:
- Developing a deep understanding of country-specific trade rules and buyer preferences.
- Improving price competitiveness through efficiency rather than just lowering costs.
- Building stronger, more transparent relationships with overseas buyers.
- Strict adherence to the import regulations of destination countries.
As global demand patterns shift and weather uncertainties persist, the insights from the Bharat International Rice Conference provide a strategic blueprint for India to solidify its dominance in the international rice trade.