India may reintroduce restrictions on 100% broken rice exports as international prices cross USD 360 per tonne, raising concerns over competition between overseas buyers and domestic industries, including ethanol manufacturers and poultry-feed producers, the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) has warned.
Domestic price pressures are also mounting, with the average wholesale price of broken rice rising 5.3% to Rs 3,036 per quintal on November 2 from Rs 2,883 on October 10. IREF Director General Vinod Kaul said rising global prices, industrial demand and inflationary concerns could increase the possibility of government intervention, particularly ahead of five state Assembly elections in 2027. However, no fresh export restrictions have been announced.
India’s expanding ethanol-blending programme has boosted demand for broken rice as an industrial feedstock, intensifying competition with poultry-feed manufacturers and exporters.
The possibility of curbs revives memories of the September 2022 export ban, which remained in place until March 7, 2025, when broken rice exports were restored under the free category.
Despite record rice production estimated at 154.02 million tonnes in 2025-26 and exports of around 21.57 million tonnes during the fiscal year, IREF cautioned that overall supply figures may not reflect the availability of specific varieties such as broken rice.
The federation has advised exporters to exercise caution while entering forward contracts and closely monitor domestic prices, mill arrivals and ethanol-sector demand. It has also urged the government to consult industry stakeholders and provide adequate transition arrangements to protect existing contracts and committed shipments.
IREF stressed that any policy intervention should balance domestic requirements with the interests of farmers, millers and exporters while safeguarding India’s reputation as a reliable global rice supplier.