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IREF to examine export incentives, trade agreements and financing access as India seeks to sustain rice export growth and expand into new markets

India’s rice export earnings increased 12.9 per cent to Rs 45,739 crore during April–August 2026, sharpening the focus on policy stability, export incentives and international market access as the industry prepares for the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026. Organised from October 23 to 25 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, BIRC 2026 will host a dedicated session on October 24 examining how exporters can translate government schemes and trade agreements into tangible commercial benefits. The session, titled Policy Shifts 2026: Trade Schemes, Incentives and Rice Export Opportunities, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

According to the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), basmati rice exports generated Rs 22,864 crore during April–August, up 11.6 per cent year on year. Non-basmati exports contributed Rs 22,874 crore, registering 14.2 per cent growth. These figures reflect export earnings in rupee terms, rather than growth in physical shipment volumes. The gains come with a policy challenge. Maintaining export momentum will depend not only on India’s price competitiveness but also on predictable trade regulations, accessible financial support and the ability of exporters to navigate changing import requirements in overseas markets.

“An incentive matters to an exporter only when it can be accessed, claimed and translated into a real business benefit,” said Dev Garg, National Vice President of IREF. He added that exporters also need clarity on product eligibility under trade agreements to convert policy announcements into new market opportunities.

Rice stocks offer a buffer against production risks

India’s export outlook will also be shaped by production trends, domestic procurement and the management of foodgrain reserves. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects India’s rice production to decline from approximately 154 million tonnes in 2025–26 to 147 million tonnes in 2026–27, amid adverse weather conditions. However, IREF expects existing government stocks to provide a buffer against potential supply pressures.

Government rice stocks have been reported at more than 38 million tonnes, nearly four times the prescribed October buffer norm of 10.25 million tonnes. According to IREF, this inventory provides room to balance domestic food security requirements with export commitments, although actual export availability will depend on procurement, stock movements and government policy. The USDA projects India’s rice exports at approximately 24 million tonnes in calendar year 2027. Sustaining that position will require exporters to navigate both domestic supply considerations and increasingly complex international trading conditions.

From policy announcements to exportable benefits

The BIRC session will focus on the practical application of central and state government support programmes, covering eligibility requirements, qualifying products and activities, documentation, application procedures and the process of receiving incentives. Discussions will also examine export credit, insurance, guarantees and warehouse-receipt financing. For exporters operating on tight margins, access to affordable working capital and timely financial support can influence their ability to fulfil orders and maintain relationships with overseas buyers.

Trade agreements, tariff concessions, import duties, government procurement policies and changing destination-market regulations will form another part of the agenda. Bipin Aggarwal, Vice President (Kakinada) of IREF and Director of Andhra Pradesh-based rice exporter CLRK, said consistent policies and timely access to incentives were particularly important for non-basmati exporters.

Changes in freight costs, import duties and export regulations can directly affect order economics, he noted, adding that the industry needs a framework that supports longer-term commitments and helps Indian rice remain competitive in price-sensitive markets across Africa and Asia.

BIRC to develop a 12-month rice export policy watch

A proposed outcome of the session is the BIRC 2026 Rice Export Policy Watch, which will identify five major policy developments that could influence India’s rice trade over the following 12 months. The assessment is intended to distinguish between measures already in force, announced changes, proposed reforms and trade agreements still under negotiation. This distinction could help exporters assess the likely implications for compliance costs, market access, financing and commercial planning.

The broader objective is to support market diversification, strengthen India’s presence across Africa, Europe and Asia, and encourage investment in processing, quality improvement and value-added rice products. The policy discussion is among nine business-focused knowledge sessions planned at BIRC 2026. Other sessions will cover global rice price forecasts, leading export markets for 2027, export payments, shipping, quality compliance, sustainability, profitable rice milling and value-added products.

Published Date: October 15, 2026