IREF Submits Key Recommendations To Finance Minister To Strengthen India’s Rice Export Sector Ahead Of Budget 2026–27

The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has submitted a comprehensive representation to the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, is highlighting significant proposals to boost India’s rice export ecosystem and improve its global competitiveness.

In its submission, IREF stressed the strategic importance of the rice sector in India’s agricultural exports, underscoring its significant contribution to farmer incomes, rural livelihoods, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings. Not only this, the IREF highlighted that a stable and predictable policy environment is important to support exporters, especially in the context of relentlessly evolving global trade dynamics and India’s role as a key supplier to various international markets.

In addition, the representation also invited attention to operational and cost-related challenges faced by rice exporters. IREF called for policy measures intended to enhance the ease of doing business and improve efficiency across the rice value chain, from procurement and processing to storage and logistics.

According to IREF, budgetary support for the sector could develop a significant multiplier effect which could benefit not only farmers but also millers, exporters, and allied industries in the major rice-producing states. Additionally, the IREF emphasized that focused policy interventions would boost India’s position in the global rice market while promoting sustainable growth for the sector.

Moreover, an IREF spokesperson mentioned: ‘Continued engagement between the government and industry stakeholders is essential to ensure the rice sector grows sustainably and aligns with India’s broader objective of boosting agricultural exports’. Since India is one of the world’s leading rice producers and exporters, the IREF’s  proposals intend to ensure the country’s rice industry remains competitive, resilient, and export-ready, contributing to national economic growth and farmer prosperity.