Rice Exports: Non-basmati rice exports touch $6.11 bn in 2021-22

The commerce ministry said on Wednesday that India's non-basmati rice exports will climb to USD 6.11 billion in 2021-22 from USD 2.92 billion in 2013-14. In the years 2021-22, India exported rice to over 150 nations.

India sold Nonbasmati rice export data Shows the net amount is worth USD 2 billion in 2019-20, rising to USD 4.8 billion in 2020-21 and USD 6.11 billion in 2021-22, according to statistics from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics.

"We have integrated logistical development as well as a focus on the production of high-quality food in partnership with our foreign embassies, which has increased India's rice export potential," said the Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Benin, a West African country, is a significant importer of Indian non-basmati rice.

Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon, Somalia, Malaysia, Liberia, and the United Arab Emirates are among the other destinations.

In the last couple of years, India's focus on building port handling facilities, enhancing the value chain, including key stakeholders, and exploring new prospects in nations or markets for rice exports has resulted in a massive increase in rice exports, according to the ministry.

According to the Commerce Ministry, the considerable growth in agri-exports is also considered evidence of the government's commitment to increasing farmers' income by increasing exports of agricultural and processed food items from the nation.

West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, and Haryana are the major rice-producing states. Benin, a West African country, is a significant importer of non-basmati rice from India.

According to the Second Advance Estimates for 2021-22, overall rice output would reach a new high of 127.93 million tonnes, up 11.49 million tonnes from the previous five years' average of 116.44 million metric tonnes.

Rice in international trade

Rice is mostly traded internationally through huge international trading corporations, which may also deal in other grains and groceries. Some of the trading businesses may also be involved in rice processing, storage, and transportation in the source markets, as well as its shipment to the import market. Because it is not commonplace in the case of rice to load a ship without knowing the destination of the rice, particularly if going to Africa, traders bear the financial expenses until a buyer is identified and the rice is delivered. Rice, unlike maize or wheat, is not a standardised commodity, hence brokers play a significant role in facilitating trade by locating a compatible buyer and seller for the appropriate rice kinds and quality, in exchange for a commission for their services.

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is a long-grain aromatic rice that has been grown for centuries in a particular geographical area in the Foothills of the Himalayas of the Indian subcontinent, graced with extra-long slender grains that elongate at least twice their original size when cooked, delicious taste, superior aroma, and distinguishable taste, Basmati rice is unique among aromatic long-grain grain rice varieties.

These characteristics are attributed to Basmati rice by the agro-climatic conditions of the specific geographical location, as well as the manner of the harvesting, processing, and ageing. Because of its distinct features, the "scented Pearl" adds a touch of elegance to even the most regular dinner, transforming it into a gourmet's joy.

Areas of Agriculture: J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh are the states where Basmati Rice is grown.

Exports

India is the largest exporter of Basmati Rice to the rest of the world. During the 2020-21 fiscal year, the nation shipped is in million tons of Basmati Rice to the globe for a total value of Rs. 30000 crores. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen Republic, and the United Arab Emirates are the top export destinations for 2020-21.

Nepal, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Somalia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Togo, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Russia are among the other significant purchasers of Indian rice. According to the agricultural ministry, the country's exports of Basmati and non-Basmati rice are expected to reach 21-22 million tonnes in the current fiscal year.