An Indian exporter has won the Bangladesh interim government’s first international rice import tender for 50,000 tonnes, marking a significant boost for India’s rice trade with its eastern neighbour.
Raipur-based Bagadiya Brothers Pvt Ltd secured the contract at USD 359.77 per tonne, according to the tender opening sheet (TOS) accessed by PTI. The firm outbid competitors from Singapore, the UAE, Indonesia, and India to clinch the deal.
“We have secured the order. We have to supply the consignment within 40 days,” said S.P. Jaiswal, AGM of Bagadiya Brothers Pvt Ltd. The shipment is required to be exported via sea route using large vessels.
The tender, floated directly by Bangladesh’s interim government, is part of its plan to import 9 lakh tonnes of rice, of which 4 lakh tonnes will be procured directly and 5 lakh tonnes through private importers.
According to Rahul Khaitan, Director of West Bengal-based Jai Baba Bakreswar Rice Mill, two West Bengal exporters participated in the bid but were unsuccessful. “Bangladesh’s direct procurement target is 4 lakh tonnes, and more tenders are likely to follow soon. West Bengal’s mills and exporters are expected to benefit from upcoming orders,” he said.
Industry estimates suggest that around 1.5 lakh tonnes of private rice exports to Bangladesh have already been completed, with West Bengal exporters securing a significant share.
With India accounting for 46% of global rice exports, the country is poised to be the primary beneficiary of Bangladesh’s import drive due to its proximity, abundant supply, and competitive prices.
“States such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar are expected to gain the most,” Khaitan added. Popular Indian varieties like Swarna, Ratna, Miniket, and Sona Masoori have seen price increases following Bangladesh’s import announcement.
Bangladesh’s early import push is seen as a precautionary measure against potential floods during the Aman season. Since August, the government has expanded its food-friendly programme to 55 lakh families, offering 30 kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg during select months.
Visakhapatnam and Paradip ports will serve as key export gateways for these shipments. Meanwhile, India has set up a Non-Basmati Rice Development Fund to promote exports, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen coordination between the government, APEDA, and industry players.
