Analysis of Grains (Rice) at SAAF 2025
20-Jan-2025 04:43 PM
Analysis of Grains (Rice) at SAAF 2025
Highlights from the discussion on cereals at the 3rd South Asia Agri Forum (SAAF) 2025 organised by BSAF in Sri Lanka on 15-16 January 2025.
★ SAAF 2025 Grains Panel
Manisha Gupta, CNBC TV18, India
Rajiv Kumar, Executive Director, The Rice Exporters Association, India
Rahul Chauhan, Igrain India, India
Eduard Zernin, RUSGRAIN Union, Russian Federation
G K Sood, Meir Commodities, India
Md Ali Rashed, City Commodities, Bangladesh
Atul Chhura, StarAgri, India
★ According to TREA, rice exports were 24.7 lakh tons in 2010-11, 105.11 lakh tons in 2015-16, 120.1 lakh tons in 2018-19, and 163.6 lakh tons in 2023-24. Non-basmati rice exports were 1 lakh tons in 2010-11, 64.6 lakh tons in 2015-16, 76 lakh tons in 2018-19 and 111 lakh tons in 2023-24.
★ There has been a significant increase in non-basmati rice exports.
★ From April to March 2023, 45.6 lakh tons of basmati and 177.9 lakh tons of non-basmati rice were exported.
★ From April to March 2024, basmati rice exports reached 52.4 lakh tons, and non-basmati rice exports surpassed 111 lakh tons.
★ Rice production has increased from 2019 to the 2024-25 season.
★ After India enforced stricter rice export regulations, global rice prices reached record highs.
★ As of January 1, 2025, the stock was 290.92 lakh tons, up from 181.76 lakh tons on January 1, 2024, and 125.35 lakh tons on January 1, 2023, excluding unmilled rice.
★ The central pool has a large stock of rice.
★ Sri Lanka imported 1.67 million tons of rice from India.
★ From April to October 2024, basmati rice exports totaled 31.43 lakh tons, and non-basmati rice exports reached 57.6 lakh tons.
★ Wheat and maize prices are higher than MSP, while rice, sorghum, and millet prices are lower.
★ After export restrictions were lifted, rice prices are expected to rise. Rice prices in mandis are below MSP, but government procurement is good.
★ The large stock in the central pool is a concern.
★ FCI has approved the use of rice for ethanol production, which may reduce stocks in the central pool. Rice prices are expected to rise in the future.