Indian rice millers and exporters have warmly welcomed Bangladesh’s latest decision to open a fresh private-sector import window for 2 lakh metric tonnes of parboiled rice, calling it a timely boost to cross-border agricultural trade.
The Bangladesh government has permitted 232 private companies to import the rice by March 10, 2026, as part of efforts to stabilise local markets amid rising prices of fine and steam rice varieties. This allocation comes in addition to earlier plans to import about 9 lakh tonnes of rice in the 2025-26 fiscal year to replenish stocks after recent production shortfalls.
Industry representatives said proximity and competitive pricing continue to give Indian suppliers an edge, with traders from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal among the primary beneficiaries of increased shipments. Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) president Prem Garg noted that Bangladesh has traditionally been a steady buyer of Indian rice, reinforcing long-standing trade ties between the neighbouring countries.
According to millers, the private import window is a response to heightened domestic rice prices in Bangladesh, and is expected to create new export opportunities for Indian producers. Importers have been instructed to sell rice in original sacks and report import, storage and sales details to local food controllers to guard against hoarding.
Exporters also highlighted that India remains one of Bangladesh’s most cost-effective rice suppliers, with Indian white rice priced below competing offers from other regional producers in recent tenders.
The move is widely seen as strengthening agricultural trade links between India and Bangladesh, even as regional markets navigate shifting supply and demand conditions.