Agri and Food Exports Rise 10%

18-Sep-2025 05:46 PM

New Delhi. India's exports of agricultural and processed food products increased by nearly 10 percent to $10.03 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year, April to August 2025, compared to the same period last year. Rice, fruits, vegetables, and other products contributed significantly to this growth.

Strong global demand, relaxation of controls and restrictions, and competitive pricing contributed to India's export performance. Indian products remain in good demand in Bangladesh and Central Asian markets.

Rice export performance was encouraging during the period under review. Rice export revenue increased by 6.4 percent to $4.71 billion during April-August 2025.

This includes export revenue from both basmati and non-basmati rice. It is noteworthy that during the entire period (April-March) of the financial year 2024-25, total rice exports from India jumped to a new record high of $12.47 billion, a 20 percent increase compared to 2023-24.

However, the imposition of high tariffs in the United States is expected to impact the export of high-priced, premium-quality Basmati rice.

A 50 percent import duty on Indian products has been implemented in the United States since August 27th. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has begun importing high-quality non-Basmati rice from India with the reduction in customs duties. If this trend continues, Indian rice exports could increase in the financial year 2025-26.

The Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association states that there is strong demand for Indian rice in the global market, and with competitive prices, exports are expected to accelerate in the coming months.

Countries that previously imported rice from Pakistan and Myanmar are now sourcing it from India. India has been the world's leading rice exporter since 2011-12 and will continue to be so. Global rice trade is projected to reach 62 million tonnes in 2026, with India's contribution expected to be 40-42 percent.