Topic
rice
Commodities Indian rice prices rise on El Nino factor but remain most competitive on f.o.b basis
Indian non-basmati rice prices have risen by over $18 per tonne in recent weeks due to El Nino concerns, but remain the most competitive on a free-on-board (f.o.b.) basis. The monsoon deficit and domestic price increases support prices, while carryover inventories prevent a return to historical peaks. BMI raised its price forecast, and India is expected to retain a 42% global market share.
Commodities Lower maize acreage and sugar stock uncertainty shift focus to rice for ethanol in India
With maize acreage in top five producing states falling over 13% and sugar stocks expected very low at season end, India's ethanol blending programme is likely to depend more on rice. The government's target of 20% ethanol blending requires about 1,100 crore litres, and reduced broken-rice share in official stocks could boost feedstock availability. Fresh kharif arrivals are expected to strengthen supply.
Commodities India’s open market rice sale norms will likely help meet 20% ethanol blending target
The Indian government revised its standard operating procedure for sale of rice to ethanol distilleries for the 2026-27 supply year, allocating 7.2 million tonnes from FCI stocks and fixing prices at ₹2,320 per quintal till October 31 and ₹2,390 after. Trade experts say the move will help meet the 20% ethanol blending target while utilizing aged stocks, though large diversion may affect non-basmati rice exports.
Commodities Indian rice export prices hit near 10-month high on tight paddy supplies and monsoon concerns
Indian rice export prices rose to a near 10-month high this week, driven by tight paddy supplies and concerns over the new-season crop after patchy monsoon rainfall, according to Reuters. The 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $356-$361 per ton, up from $352-$357 last week. Adverse weather also affected crops in Bangladesh, while Vietnam saw lower prices due to building supplies from the summer-autumn harvest.
Commodities India Uses 3.9M Tonnes FCI Rice, 6.8M Tonnes Maize for Ethanol Till June 2026
India has used 3.9 million tonnes of surplus FCI rice and 6.8 million tonnes of maize for ethanol production till June 2026 in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY 2025-26). Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated that the 20% ethanol blending target has not affected food crop availability or food security, and only surplus foodgrains are diverted. The government also reported that PSU oil marketing companies procured 705.43 crore litres of ethanol for ₹49,577.36 crore in the same period.
Commodities India ring-fences 72 lakh tonnes of FCI rice for ethanol production in 2026-27
India's food ministry has allocated 72 lakh tonnes of rice from FCI stocks for ethanol production in the 2026-27 supply year at ₹2,390/quintal, up from 52 lt in 2025-26. An additional 55 lt of broken rice will be sold via e-auction. The move supports higher blending targets and reduces fossil fuel imports.
Commodities Indian Rice Export Prices Rise Third Week on Higher Reserve Price and Monsoon Concerns
Indian rice export prices extended gains for a third consecutive week, driven by a higher reserve price under the government's Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) and concerns over weak monsoon rains delaying planting. The 5% broken parboiled variety rose to $352-$357 per tonne, while Bangladesh floods damaged crops on over 28,610 hectares.
Commodities Indian Rice Export Prices Extend Gains as Reserve Price Rises and Monsoon Concerns Linger
Indian rice export prices extended gains for a third consecutive week, supported by a higher government reserve price under the Open Market Sale Scheme and concerns over weak monsoon rains that could delay planting. Bangladesh floods damaged crops on over 28,000 hectares, while Thai and Vietnamese rice prices held steady amid slow trading.
Commodities Centre reviews India's approved basmati varieties to protect brand identity of Pusa 1121
The Indian government has initiated a review of the 45 aromatic rice varieties approved for export as basmati, at the behest of exporters who argue the list is too long. The review aims to align approved varieties with market demand and protect the brand identity of Pusa Basmati 1121, which contributed to a surge in exports from ₹3,000 crore to over ₹50,000 crore in two decades.
Commodities UPL launches Ricebeaux smart herbicide for modern rice farming in India
UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions has launched 'Ricebeaux', a smart broad-spectrum early post-emergence herbicide for rice, after over 10 years of R&D and multi-location trials across India. The product combines Propanil and Penoxsulam to control grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, addressing challenges from erratic monsoons and labour shortages.
Commodities India Cuts Broken Rice Share in PDS Under New Rice Milling Transformation Scheme
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Rice Milling Transformation scheme, cutting broken rice content in PDS rice to 10% (raw) and 5% (parboiled). The move aims to evacuate record-high foodgrain stocks and save storage space. Phase I allocates 50 lakh tonnes of rice across states.
Commodities India Sets Rice at Rs 2,320/quintal for Ethanol, Wheat at Rs 2,585-2,600 for Millers Under OMSS 2026-27
The Indian government has released the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) policy for 2026-27, setting rice at Rs 2,320/quintal for ethanol distilleries and wheat at Rs 2,585-2,600/quintal for millers. The policy, effective until June 30, 2027, includes tiered pricing for various buyers and introduces a separate category for rice with 10% broken grain content. Allocation to state governments is fixed at 48 lakh tonnes, while no specific quantity is earmarked for other buyers amid concerns over a potential super El Nino impacting foodgrain production.
Commodities India Cabinet Approves Slashing Broken Grain in PDS Rice, Diverts 100% Broken to Ethanol
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a phased reduction in broken grain content in PDS rice from 25% to 10% for raw rice and from 16% to 5% for parboiled rice by 2027-28. The separated 100% broken rice will be channelled to ethanol production, reducing logistics costs by ₹2,161 crore annually and improving quality under PMGKAY.
Commodities Telangana Considers Rice Export Policy to Capitalize on Vast Surplus Production
Telangana, producing 3 crore tonnes of rice annually but consuming only 36 lakh tonnes, is mulling a dedicated rice export policy. Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy announced the policy is under preparation, with exports already underway to the Philippines. The move aims to support millers in accessing national and international markets.
Commodities Global Consumers Reshape Basmati Rice Market with Demands for Traceability, Health, and Convenience
The global basmati rice market, valued at over $13 billion in 2024, is being transformed by a new breed of consumers who prioritize traceability, health attributes like low glycemic index, aged varieties, and convenient packaging. India's Geographical Indication tag has become a marketing asset, and exporters are seeing growing demand for verified provenance. The report highlights key trends including the rise of aged basmati (23% of domestic sales), the health-conscious consumer shift, and the move toward smaller pack sizes and ready-to-cook formats.
Commodities Telangana rice surplus challenge grows as paddy output triples in a decade
Since 2014, Telangana's paddy output has nearly tripled, reaching 1.70 crore tonnes in 2024-25, driven by irrigation expansion and MSP procurement. The resulting surplus, now exceeding 20 lakh tonnes, has prompted a policy paper from PJTAU's C-SAS recommending crop diversification, export development, and procurement rationalisation to manage the growing stockpile.
Commodities El Nino May Weaken India's Monsoon, Threaten Rice and Maize Output, FAO Warns
The FAO has warned that the newly begun El Nino phase may weaken India's summer monsoon, putting rainfed crops like rice and maize under stress during the kharif season. Historical analysis shows that during the 2015-16 El Nino, India's maize output fell by 4% and rice dropped by 1%, while Southeast Asia lost about 15 million tonnes of rice. The agency also flagged that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are raising energy and fertiliser costs as farmers prepare for sowing.
Trade Two Rice Export Bodies Seek Review of Apeda Move to Appoint New Law Firm for Basmati GI, IPR Cases
Two Indian rice exporters' associations, AIREA and BRMEA, have asked the Commerce Ministry to review Apeda's decision to appoint a new law firm to handle global Basmati GI and IPR cases, alleging arbitrary selection and conflict of interest. The law firm had represented petitioners seeking to expand the Basmati GI area to include Madhya Pradesh, a move Apeda historically opposed.
Commodities Corteva Launches Mavilon Granular Insecticide for Pest Management in Indian Rice
Corteva has introduced Mavilon, a granular insecticide for pest management in rice in India. The product offers up to 60 days of control against Brown Planthopper and 15 days against stem borer, applied once at 30–35 days after transplanting. It aims to reduce reliance on foliar sprays and improve crop protection timing.
Trade China Rejects Indian Red Chilli Cargoes Over Pesticide Residues, Suspends Three Exporters
China has rejected at least three consignments of Indian dried red chillies and suspended three Indian exporters over traces of methamidophos, a pesticide residue. The move follows similar rejections of Indian rice and signals heightened scrutiny on food safety. India's chilli exports to China grew 31% in 2024-25 to 2.36 lakh tonnes, according to The Hindu Business Line.
Trade APEDA Releases SOP for Rice Exports to China After GMO Rejections
APEDA released a standard operating procedure (SOP) for rice exports to China following China's rejection of non-basmati consignments over alleged GMO contamination. The SOP, effective June 9, mandates testing by recognized labs and registration with DPPQS and GACC. India's non-basmati rice exports to China rose to 315,193 tonnes in 2025-26.
Trade China Rejects Indian Rice Over Alleged GMO Presence
China has rejected multiple consignments of Indian non-basmati rice, alleging the presence of GMOs, despite India's assertion that no GM rice is grown in the country. This ongoing issue has led to significant trade tensions between the two nations.
Trade India's Rice Exports Hit by Iran Conflict
India's rice exports dropped 1.3% in early 2026 due to the Iran conflict affecting basmati shipments to the Gulf. Rising shipping costs and delays have stalled new deals.