India continues to dominate the global rice export market, maintaining its position as the world's leading exporter for several years. The scope of its rice export market has expanded significantly, with annual global rice trade ranging between 500-550 lakh tonnes. India contributes about 40-42% of this, exporting 200-220 lakh tonnes.
India’s rice production has also increased steadily, rising from 12.94 crore tonnes in the 2021-22 season to 13.70 crore tonnes in the 2023-24 season.
This growth has contributed to a boost in rice exports. Additionally, improvements in the quality of Indian rice have attracted new buyers from different countries, making Indian rice more competitive in the global market.
A key component of India's rice export success is the growing demand for premium quality Basmati rice. Basmati rice, which is primarily exported from India and Pakistan, has seen a significant rise in exports, from 39.40 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 to 52.40 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.
This has led to a more than 22% increase in export earnings. The Gulf region, along with the United States and Europe, are major importers of Indian Basmati rice.
In conclusion, India’s rice export market, particularly for Basmati rice, continues to perform well, strengthening its position as a dominant player in the global rice trade.
