Top Rice News: Sundargarh’s Free Rice, Sri Lanka’s Rice Production And Pak Rice Exports

Top rice news today highlights the preparation of Sundargarh to roll out extra free rice under Odisha’s Annapurna scheme, the recovery of Sri Lanka’s rice production despite climate and global supply challenges, as stated by the USDA and the expansion of Pakistan rice exports to Oman with a new trade push.

Sundargarh prepares rollout of extra free rice under Odisha’s Annapurna scheme

The Sundargarh administration has prepared for the distribution of an additional five kg of rice per individual every month under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Odisha’s Sundargarh. Interestingly, the district has already received the three-month quota of nearly 2.18 lakh quintal rice to cover nearly 14.65 lakh beneficiaries. Moreover, a senior official stated that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is likely to launch the new scheme at a state-level function. Therefore, the district has already started preparations for it. The Chief Civil Supplies Officer (CCSO), Ajay Rath informed that the lifting of PDS rice from nine warehouses of Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) in Sudargarh is underway. The monthly quota is getting positioned with 448 government retailers in the district. He added that additional rice allotment for April, May and June, weighing nearly 2.18 lakh quintal, has been received. In addition, he asserted that the procurement of rabi paddy would start from May 29 and continue till June 30. Nearly 1,025 farmers have registered themselves, and 29 paddy procurement centres will be made operational. He said: “No paddy purchase target has been fixed for the Rabi marketing season 2025-26. Nevertheless, we expect to procure 60,000 to 70,000 quintals in Sundargarh”. Rabi Paddy procurement was introduced in Sundergarh in the last season with a total procurement of nearly 20,000 quintals.

Sri Lanka’s rice output set to rebound despite climate and global supply challenges: USDA

According to the latest report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Sril Lanka’s milled rice production is forecast to reach 3.45 million metric tons for the upcoming marketing year 2026- 27. It represents a solid rebound from the revised estimate of 3.25 million metric tons recorded during 2025-26. Consequently, the recent production fall was largely the result of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island in late November 2025. "An estimated 60,863 ha of paddy cultivated area was damaged with submerged or waterlogged fields," the report stated, noting the severe impact on the critical Maha season. In its aftermath, the government swiftly intervened by offering compensation of Rs. 25,000 per hectare, capped at a maximum of two hectares, while encouraging affected farmers to replant their destroyed crops. Authorities are continuing to support the sector through direct cash transfers to farmers' bank accounts, providing a fertiliser subsidy of Rs. 25,000 per hectare for paddy cultivation alongside the provision of free irrigation water through state canal systems. Despite domestic recovery efforts, Sri Lanka's agricultural supply chain faces renewed pressure from global geopolitical tensions. The report outlines that recent reports signals that fertilizer prices are rising in response to disruptions in the Middle East Conflict which may lead farmers to limit application rates or substitute imported products for local alternatives.

Pakistan looks to expand rice exports to Oman with new trade push

Pakistan is deepening its efforts to expand rice exports to Oman by boosting bilateral trade relations and improving market outreach in the Gulf region. This initiative indicates that Pakistan’s broader strategy to tap into growing demand for high-quality rice in Middle Eastern markets and boost its agricultural export revenues. A visit by the delegation from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) to Oman to explore new business opportunities and deepen commercial ties. During the visit, the delegation held comprehensive discussions with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focusing on ways to increase export volumes and streamline trade processes. Additionally, meetings were also conducted with key importers, wholesalers, and distributors to better understand market preferences and demand patterns. Notably, one of the central themes of the discussions was improving supply chain efficiency to ensure timely delivery and maintain product quality. Both nations also addressed logistical challenges, including transportation costs, storage facilities, and customs procedures, which can impact the competitiveness of Pakistani rice in international markets. Interestingly, Oman has shown strong interest in enhancing trade cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the food and agriculture sector. As a follow-up, a delegation of Omani importers is expected to visit Pakistan later in May. This visit aims to further boost partnerships, evaluate production capabilities, and explore long-term supply agreements.