India’s Rice Exporters Target ₹1.80 Lakh Cr Market with ₹25,000 Cr MoUs

India’s rice exporters are setting ambitious goals, targeting new import markets worth ₹1.80 lakh crore. They are also poised to secure export agreements valued at ₹25,000 crore during the upcoming Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, scheduled for October 30-31 in New Delhi.

Potential Growth in Rice Exports

The government has identified several rice-importing nations that currently source their supplies from India’s competitors. These countries include Indonesia, which imports rice worth $2,586 million, followed closely by the Philippines at $2,470 million and Iraq at $1,661 million. Other notable markets include Vietnam ($1,463 million), the USA ($1,194 million), and China ($890 million), among others.

Ministerial Participation

During the conference’s inauguration, Abhishek Dev, Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), announced that foreign ministers from key rice-importing countries such as the Philippines, Ghana, Namibia, and Gambia will attend the two-day event.

India’s Global Standing in Rice Production

India stands as one of the globe’s largest rice producers and exporters, reaching over 172 countries. The nation aims to enhance its role within global food supply chains significantly.

Recent Production Insights

In the fiscal year 2024-25, India is expected to produce around 150 million tonnes of rice from approximately 47 million hectares of land, representing about 28% of the world’s total rice output.

Yield Improvements

Average rice yields in India have increased from 2.72 tonnes per hectare in 2014-2015 to approximately 3.2 tonnes per hectare in 2024-2025. The government credits these advancements to improved seed varieties, enhanced agronomic practices, and a broader reach of irrigation.

Export Achievements

In 2024-25, India successfully exported 20.1 million metric tonnes of rice, generating about $12.95 billion in revenue.