FE REPORT

The government has extended the deadline for exporting aromatic rice to international markets by one month, sources said. The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) issued an order on Monday formalising the extension.

Earlier, the ministry had permitted the export of 18,150 tonnes of aromatic rice on April 8, 2025, with a shipment deadline of September 30. However, many exporters could not complete their shipments within the set timeframe. Following requests from traders, the ministry extended the deadline by one month.

In addition, the ministry allowed the export of 5,800 tonnes of aromatic rice in May 2025, with the shipment deadline now set for November 30, 2025.

According to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), the country’s aromatic rice production rose to 1.02 million tonnes in fiscal year 2023-24, up from around 0.58 million tonnes in 2017-18. Domestic demand for aromatic rice currently stands at about 0.4 million tonnes, leaving a significant surplus available for exports.

Bangladesh’s aromatic rice enjoys strong demand in overseas markets, particularly among non-resident Bangladeshis. Major destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Switzerland, the UK, France, Germany, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Japan, Lebanon, the Maldives, Nepal, New Zealand, Myanmar, Mauritius, Malaysia, Kuwait, Liberia, and South Africa.

Popular aromatic varieties such as Chinigura, Kalijeera, Kataribhog, Tulshimala, Badshabog, Durbashail, Basmathi (locally Banglamoti), and Nenia are particularly sought after abroad. The export policy allows up to 25 types of aromatic rice to be exported with special approval from the commerce ministry.

Several private firms, including Ispahani, Square, and Pran, export packaged aromatic rice to more than 135 countries each fiscal year, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s rice export earnings.

Published Date: October 29, 2025