Basmati Rice Production Likely to Decline in Punjab

22-Sep-2025 10:39 AM

Chandigarh. According to rough estimates, surplus rainfall and severe floods in Punjab have damaged approximately 150,000 acres of basmati rice crops, which is likely to impact rice production and exports.

Industry analysts predict an 8-10% increase in the domestic market price of basmati rice and a 5-7% increase in the global market price in the near future. However, exports of this premium-quality long-grain aromatic rice from India will remain strong.

Basmati is not just a food grain; it is an aromatic heritage that represents the past, food pride, and a highly important export product of Indian agriculture.

For the past two to three years, India has been exporting over 5 million tons of basmati rice annually, with Punjab contributing the most.

Central Asia, North America, and Europe are its major markets. The global basmati rice trade has reached $15 billion, of which India accounts for over 65%.

Basmati rice is produced extensively in Punjab, and this time, the impact on production there may increase concerns among domestic and domestic consumers.

Rice exports from there may decline slightly, while market prices may remain strong, as reports of severe damage to the basmati rice crop in Pakistan are also emerging.

Export offer prices for basmati rice may remain high for markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Importers may attempt to stockpile it.