30 Nov, 2024

Which Countries Are India Biggest Rice Export Partners

With India being the largest rice exporter globally, this makes a major contribution to India's food trade. With its large agricultural output, India exporters like Mahavir Rice Mills export both Basmati rice that is long grain and aromatic in nature as well as non-Basmati rice that is more of table rice. Rice produced in India is exported to the countries of Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe, catering to the needs of millions.

In this blog, we are going to discuss about top rice export partners and how these nations use Indian rice for their domestic market and economy.

India: The Topmost Player for Rice Supply in the world

Among the rice-exporting nations, India has been known to dominate a very respectable share of the over 40% of world rice exports. This achievement can be attributed to the different strengths of rice types produced in the country, quality and diversity of rice types and production of rice according to the requirements of various foreign markets. 

Indian Rice remains in great demand because of its low price, good quality and capability to suit different types of cuisines. India’s rice export market covers Asia and stretches as far as Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has acquired a taste for the spicy and fragrant long-grain Basmati rice from India, thus making it one of the largest importers of basmati rice from India. The demand for this rice has increased over the years due to the increase in population as well as commercial large scale catering services. 

2. United Arab Emirates 

An Indian emigrant population who desperately need Indian rice drives this demand in the country. Usage of Indian rice can be observed within people's household’s kitchens to large scale restaurants that are scattered all over the country. India’s geographical bulk and cordial trading relations helps in constant pouring of rice in the market.

3. Iran 

Iran is scaling up rice imports from India and emerged as one of the largest Importers of Basmati in India. Due to the International sanctions, India remains among the key rice suppliers for Iran, owing to Indian rice being of great quality and very competitive prices. Among the few countries still supplying rice to Iran, India enjoys considerable trade with them.  

4. Bangladesh 

Bangladesh is one of the largest import markets for non-Basmati rice. With 160 million population, needs wide rice imports for its food security programs.

Given the geographical situation, Bihar and Bengal logistically provide fast and cheap rice to Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, everyday use of non-Basmati is represented by middle classes, who quickly gained popularity including sela and parboiled rice.

5. Nepal

Nepal is yet another important partner of India for the import of rice. Since the country has a long border with India, it is rather dependent on Indian rice for meeting its consumption needs.

Both Basmati and non-Basmati varieties are consumed, which is one of the staple foods of Nepal. The distance and the strong trade ties of the two countries make certain that rice keeps on pouring into Nepal from India. 

6. Nigeria

Logistics has not limited India’s growth in exports of rice to Nigeria, which at one point seemed impossible. Nigeria is arguably Africa’s foremost rice consumer and due to lack of local production, India has become a key provider. 

The demand for both Basmati and non basmati is according to the use of rice in traditional African cuisines as well as various other dishes. The urbanization of Nigeria and rising demand for rice in the country has been a factor for the increase of Indian imports.

7. South Africa

Because South Africa is among the top rice consuming population in Africa, it still needs to import rice to provide its population’s nutrition needs that are on the rise. Lower price and good quality of Indian rice are regarded by South African households and restaurants. 

8. Iraq

Iraq is also known to be one of India's key rice markets, most notably in Basmati rice. The ever-increasing scarcity of top quality rice has brought India closer to being one of the suppliers of the much sought after grain. There is an ever-increasing likelihood of Iraq continuing to depend on Indian rice given that there seems to be an ever-increasing appetite for rice in the country.

Conclusion

These were some of the countries India exports rice to. Mahavir Rice Mills is among the Top 10 Rice Exporters in India. We have a diverse portfolio of Basmati rice varieties to appeal to local markets around the world. Each grain of our Basmati Rice is meticulously aged to achieve perfection.