India's rice exports in 2025 have surged to near-record levels following the lifting of certain restrictions, showcasing the country's dominance in the global rice market.
Total exports for 2025 jumped 19.4% year-over-year to 21.55 million tons. Non-basmati rice exports saw a significant increase of 25% reaching 15.15 million tons, while basmati exports also rose by 8% to a record 6.4 million tons.
The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) is aiming for even greater heights, targeting exports of 30 million metric tons in the 2025-26 marketing year (October-September). This ambitious goal is supported by projections of a bumper crop, with estimated production at 145 million metric tons, a 7% increase year-over-year. If achieved, this would represent a 50% increase compared to the previous year. However, more conservative estimates project exports of 24 million metric tons for the same period, which would still be a 4.3% increase from the previous year.
India's strong performance has led to increased confidence within the industry. The IREF is now aiming to increase India's share of global rice exports from 40% to 60%. Prem Garg, National President of IREF, stated that India has surpassed China as the world's top rice producer and is focused on increasing exports to improve returns for farmers.
The surge in production has also led to a surplus in запасы. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) projects its warehouses will hold 40 million tons of non-basmati white rice, up from 28 million tons the previous year. This has prompted discussions about lowering the reserve price for the Open Market Sale Scheme due to supply pressures.
To achieve its ambitious export targets and manage the surplus stock, India is looking to expand its market reach beyond traditional African markets and is actively engaging with countries like the Philippines. The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, held in New Delhi, saw participation from farmers across 21 states, around 55 diplomats, and thousands of buyers, highlighting the collaborative effort to boost India's rice trade.
While the industry is largely confident, there are challenges to address. These include policy uncertainties and limited penetration into key destinations. Prem Garg has urged the government to support the rice sector through logistics and port upgrades, while also calling for a ban on harmful pesticides.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for India's rice exports remains positive. A strong harvest, combined with government support and industry initiatives, is expected to solidify India's position as the world's leading rice exporter and ensure better returns for farmers.
