India accounts for 40% of global rice exports, key to food security

NEW DELHI

India accounts for around 40 per cent of global rice exports, making it a major player in international food security, industry representatives and agricultural experts said at the Bharat International Rice Conference 2026.

Tarun Bajaj, General Manager of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), said the conference was emerging as an important global platform for the rice sector. He noted that bringing farmers, exporters, policymakers and other stakeholders together would help the industry discuss challenges and identify solutions.

Experts said India’s position as the world’s largest rice exporter carried responsibilities beyond trade, as many countries depend on imported rice to meet domestic food requirements. They said the country had continued to maintain a strong presence in the global market despite difficulties in international shipping and logistics.

Bajaj said tensions around key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, had affected vessel movements, increased transit times and pushed up freight and insurance costs. Coordination between the Centre, State governments and the industry had helped maintain the flow of exports, he said.

Rajiv Kumar, Executive Director of the Rice Exporters Association, said India’s share was substantial compared with those of other leading exporters. However, he identified logistics costs as a major hurdle, noting that India’s greater dependence on road transport compared with competitors such as Thailand and Vietnam could increase expenses. He also called for greater production of rice varieties that command stronger demand in overseas markets.

Industry representatives said government support had helped India sustain a global export share of around 35 to 40 per cent over several years. They also pointed to the importance of maintaining adequate domestic stocks while meeting the needs of importing countries. One industry representative estimated that buffer stocks held through the Food Corporation of India stood at around 5.5 to 6 crore tonnes, providing a cushion against possible weather-related production challenges.

The conference brought together stakeholders from across the rice value chain, including farmers, exporters, testing laboratories, research institutions and logistics providers. Participants said better market information, quality standards and coordination would be essential to maintaining India’s competitiveness and its contribution to global food security.