Rice Exporters Urge Government for Necessary Relief in Budget

06-Jan-2026 08:45 PM

New Delhi. In view of rising costs and intense competition in the global market, the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has urged the Union Finance Minister to announce certain specific relief measures and incentives in the 2026-27 Union Budget.

These include duty incentives, interest subsidies, and transportation assistance. The federation said that the Finance Minister should decide to provide a 4 percent interest subsidy on export credit.

Exporters say that India is the world's largest exporter of rice, and to maintain the continuity of shipments, the government should provide the necessary support and incentives. In terms of volume, rice is India's most important export product and earns the country billions of dollars.

The challenges and competition in the international export market are increasing day by day. To successfully face this and maintain India's number one position in rice exports, government policy support is essential.

Rice exporters have to take loans from banks and financial institutions at high-interest rates both before and after shipment, which puts pressure on their margins.

IREF says that if a 4 percent interest subsidy is provided on these loans, rice exporters will get considerable relief. Similarly, the government should take steps to reduce the cost of transporting rice by road and rail. Indian rice is reaching various parts of the world rapidly.