New Delhi, May 22, 2025 — In his recent interaction with ET Now Swadesh, Dev Garg, Vice President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), shed light on the pressing challenges facing India’s rice industry and proposed strategic solutions to bolster the sector.
Surplus Stock and Declining Prices
Garg pointed out that India is grappling with a surplus of approximately 500 lakh tonnes of rice, leading to a significant 10–15% drop in prices for both basmati and white rice varieties. This glut has not only depressed domestic prices but also strained storage capacities across the country. Despite the government’s recent move to lift restrictions on non-basmati rice exports, shipments have remained sluggish. From April to now, rice exports have totalled ₹76,000 crore, markedly lower than the ₹1.14 lakh crore recorded during the same period last year.
Call for Policy Support
To address these challenges, Garg emphasized the need for government intervention through increased incentives to boost exports. He advocated for raising the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme from the current 1% to 3% and reintroducing the interest equalization scheme to support exporters.
Infrastructure Development
Highlighting the importance of rural infrastructure, Garg called for enhanced investment in irrigation and cold storage facilities. He urged increased funding for the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to provide long-term irrigation solutions and support for climate-smart agriculture practices.
Navigating International Trade Challenges
Addressing concerns over the United States’ imposition of a 27% tariff on Indian rice imports, Garg described it as a temporary hurdle rather than a long-term obstacle. He noted that India’s competitive pricing and strong market presence, particularly in West Asia, would help maintain stability. In FY24, India exported 2.34 lakh tonnes of basmati rice to the US out of 52.4 lakh tonnes, with West Asia continuing to be India’s primary destination for rice exports.
Conclusion
Dev Garg’s insights underscore the critical need for policy reforms and infrastructure development to sustain and enhance India’s position in the global rice market. His recommendations aim to address current challenges and pave the way for a resilient and competitive rice export sector.
Yes, the situation needs this organization and the development of plans that take care of the interests of producers, exporters, consumers and importers It is a difficult equation but it is possible to achieve it because of my personal confidence in the master / and his extended experience and inspired by his family’s experience in management, planning and library successes from parents and grandparents We ask God for him success and success