1 Jul 2025
India witnessed a notable increase in basmati rice exports during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–25, with export earnings rising by ₹1,923 crore compared to the previous fiscal year, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Despite disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which temporarily delayed shipments in recent weeks, India’s basmati exports remained resilient. Data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) indicates a 3.97% growth in export value, reflecting strong global demand for Indian aromatic rice.
During FY 2024–25 (April 2024 to March 2025), India exported basmati rice worth ₹50,312 crore (approximately $5.87 billion), compared to ₹48,389 crore (around $5.74 billion) in FY 2023–24. Export volumes also surged, reaching 60.65 lakh tonnes (lt) — an increase of 8.23 lt or 15.7% year-on-year.
India expanded its global reach during the year, exporting basmati rice to 154 countries, up from 150 in the previous fiscal. Saudi Arabia retained its position as the top importer, purchasing 11.73 lt, followed by Iraq with 9.05 lt, and Iran with 8.55 lt. These countries also topped the import list in FY 2023–24, with purchases of 10.98 lt, 8.24 lt, and 6.7 lt, respectively.
Other major importers include the Yemen Republic, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, reflecting the consistent global appetite for Indian basmati.
In terms of export value, Saudi Arabia was the largest contributor, spending approximately ₹10,190.73 crore on Indian basmati rice. It was followed by Iraq, Iran, UAE, and Yemen, with the US, UK, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar rounding out the top 10 by value.
The strong performance underscores India's continuing dominance in the global basmati market, backed by rising demand, diverse export destinations, and a robust supply chain, even amid regional geopolitical uncertainties.