India’s Rice Exports Surge 19.4% After Lifting of Restrictions
Removal of curbs boosts global competitiveness, strengthens India’s position as world’s leading grain exporter
New Delhi: India’s rice exports rose by 19.4 per cent last year to reach the second-highest level on record, following the government’s decision to lift all export restrictions.
According to reports, the removal of curbs made Indian rice more competitive in the global market and helped the country further strengthen its position as the world’s largest grain exporter.
India’s strong return to international markets ensured steady global supply, leading to a decline in exports from other major producers such as Thailand and Vietnam. Increased availability pushed rice prices in Asia to their lowest level in nearly a decade, providing relief to poor consumers—especially in Africa and other importing regions that are heavily dependent on affordable rice supplies.
India’s expanding role in global rice trade is also reflected in its growing focus on value-added and nutrition-oriented exports. In a recent example, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea. The shipment marks another step in India’s efforts to diversify agricultural exports and enhance its global footprint.
Fortified rice is produced by blending rice flour with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The mixture is processed to resemble regular rice grains and then combined with normal rice to improve its nutritional value.
Officials said such exports highlight India’s technological capabilities in food fortification and its contribution to global food and nutrition security. Chhattisgarh has emerged as a significant contributor to India’s rice exports, with sustained efforts to support farmers, millers, and exporters.
The successful shipment to Papua New Guinea underscores the state’s growing role in nutrition-focused food supply and aligns with India’s broader ambition to be recognised as a reliable global supplier of safe, high-quality, and value-added agricultural products. APEDA officials said the authority continues to focus on quality assurance, capacity building, and market linkages to further strengthen India’s position in global agri-trade.
