India expands its presence in global rice markets

India, already the world’s largest rice exporter, is entering a new phase of its agricultural diplomacy. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has unveiled a new roadmap aimed at expanding India’s presence in 26 additional international markets, reports AgroSpectrumIndia.

The new APEDA strategy combines trade expansion with sustainability goals. It targets emerging yet underdeveloped destinations for Indian rice — across Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe — while also strengthening the country’s foothold in Asia and the Middle East. This initiative aligns with India’s Agricultural Export Policy (AEP), which envisions reaching $100 billion in agricultural exports by 2030 through product diversification, stronger brand recognition of “Made in India,” and digital traceability systems.

The focus is shifting toward premiumization and certification of both basmati and non-basmati rice, ensuring compliance with strict quality, food safety, and sustainability standards demanded by new importing nations. India currently accounts for over 40% of global rice trade, exporting nearly 18 million tons annually to more than 150 countries. However, with climate volatility, export restrictions, and price fluctuations reshaping global food trade, the country’s new approach emphasizes value and reliability over sheer volume.

“The goal is to secure stable global access to rice while safeguarding the interests of Indian farmers and consumers,” said a senior official involved in policy design. He added that India is steering the conversation “toward sustainable, traceable, and high-quality exports that will define a new era of agricultural trade.”

The diversification plan complements India’s ‘Vision 2047’, which seeks to position the country as a dependable hub in global agri-supply chains. In the 2025 fiscal year, rice exports are projected to exceed $11 billion, while entry into 26 new markets could add an additional $1.5–2 billion within two years — creating a ripple effect across logistics, processing, storage, and packaging sectors.

Tags: rice, India