India’s rice export sector has witnessed remarkable growth, solidifying its position as the world’s largest exporter of rice. This boom is driven by a combination of factors including favorable climatic conditions, highquality production, and strategic trade policies.

In 2023, India exported approximately 13.6 million tons of rice, accounting for nearly 40% of global rice trade (International Rice Research Institute, 2023). The primary varieties exported include Basmati, known for its aromatic qualities and long grains, and nonBasmati varieties, such as Parboiled and IR64, valued for their robustness and cooking quality.

A significant driver of this export success is India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, which support the cultivation of a wide range of rice varieties. Additionally, the introduction of hybrid and high-yielding varieties has further enhanced production efficiency. For instance, the IR64 hybrid variety, widely adopted in India, has demonstrated a yield increase of up to 20% over traditional varieties (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2023).

Trade policies also play a crucial role. India’s government has implemented favorable export policies, including tax incentives and subsidies, to boost rice exports. This strategic approach ensures that India remains a dominant player in the global rice market, meeting international demand while supporting domestic agricultural growth.

Ref: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): Provides research and data on global rice production and trade.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Offers comprehensive data on agricultural productivity and crop varieties.