India could export 20-25 million metric tonnes of rice annually, supported by strong domestic supplies and adequate buffer stocks, Prem Garg, President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IERF), said during the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 in New Delhi.
Speaking at a knowledge session titled “Top 10 Rice Markets to Watch in 2027: Demand Signals and Entry Strategies”, Garg highlighted opportunities to expand India’s presence in international markets, particularly in Africa, the Gulf, Europe and Asia. He cited Nigeria’s substantial rice imports and Madagascar’s imports this year as examples of emerging opportunities for Indian exporters.
The discussions highlighted changing import policies, regulatory requirements, price competitiveness and global supply uncertainties as key factors shaping the rice trade. Potential El Niño-related production disruptions, rising prices and competition from Vietnam were also identified as challenges for exporters. West African markets, including Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso, were discussed as potential destinations requiring a market-specific approach to trade regulations, buyer preferences and entry conditions.
Nitin Gupta highlighted India’s competitiveness in the global rice market, with discussions emphasising opportunities to strengthen exports of non-basmati rice. Regional varieties such as Govindobhog and Sona Masoori were identified as having potential in specialised international markets catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Manisha Gupta stressed the importance of value addition, urging the industry to move beyond price-based competition and develop products that better meet evolving buyer requirements. The session underscored that sustaining India’s rice export growth would depend on competitive pricing, effective market-entry strategies, compliance with import regulations and greater value addition amid intensifying global competition and changing demand patterns.