Key Highlights
- ndia exported 15.01 million MT of non-Basmati rice in 2025-26.
- Export value reached around US$5.82 billion.
- Benin, Bangladesh, Guinea, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire are leading destinations.
- Major varieties include Sona Masuri, Ponni, IR-64, HMT, Kolam and Swarna.
- Export prices depend on variety, processing, quality, volume and freight.
- Africa remains a key market for Indian non-Basmati rice.
- Buyers should verify quality, samples, packaging and export documentation.
- GI-tagged and specialty rice offer opportunities beyond commodity exports.
Introduction:
India isn't just a rice exporter in the global market. It's simply an undisputed leader with the world's largest production. Its competitive pricing and reliable supply chain have made it earn an esteemed reputation as a reliable supplier of bulk non-basmati rice varieties in the global markets. And those who want to export non-basmati rice in bulk , the opportunity is massive.
India exported a massive 15.01 million metric tonnes of non-basmati rice during the year 2025 and 2026 if we look purely in terms of statistics. This was valued to be ₹51,892.32 crore in India rupees or approximately $5.82 billion US Dollars according to the latest data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
The scale of these exports makes non-basmati rice one of India's most important and significant agricultural commodities in international trade.
Top Countries Importing Non-Basmati Rice from India
The destination mix shows that India's non-basmati rice trade is geographically diverse.
APEDA's 2025-26 data identifies the leading destinations as:
| Destination | Share of India's Non-Basmati Rice Exports |
|---|---|
| Benin | 11.5% |
| Bangladesh | 9.3% |
| Guinea | 6.6% |
| Togo | 6.6% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 5.4% |
The concentration in African markets is particularly important for exporters. Countries such as Benin, Guinea, Togo and Côte d'Ivoire have significant demand for competitively priced rice, making India an important sourcing origin.
Bangladesh is another major destination, reflecting the importance of regional trade within South Asia.
However, exporters should not interpret the destination rankings as a fixed list of opportunities. Rice demand changes according to domestic production, import policies, food prices, currency movements, government procurement and harvest conditions.
This is why Top Indian non-basmati rice importers should be evaluated according to their actual purchasing requirements rather than simply their country of operation.
Major Indian Non-Basmati Rice Export Varieties
One of India's strongest advantages is the number of non-basmati varieties available for international trade. Here are some of the top Indian non-basmati rice varieties.
Sona Masuri
Sona Masuri is widely traded and is particularly familiar in South Asian markets. It is commonly supplied in raw, steamed and other processed forms depending on buyer requirements.
Ponni Rice
Ponni is an important variety associated particularly with southern India. Exporters supply different grades and processing formats depending on the destination market.
IR-64
IR-64 is widely used in international commodity trade and is valued by buyers looking for a commercially competitive rice suitable for large-volume consumption.
HMT
HMT is another Indian non-basmati variety traded in domestic and international markets and can appeal to buyers looking for specific grain characteristics.
Kolam
Kolam is associated with western and central Indian rice markets and is used extensively for household consumption.
Kalanamak
Kalanamak is particularly interesting from a premium and origin-based perspective. Its regional identity and GI recognition can help differentiate it from generic commodity rice.
Jeera Samba
Jeera Samba is a short-grain variety associated with southern India and is valued for its distinctive characteristics and culinary applications.
Swarna
Swarna is another major non-basmati variety used in domestic consumption and international commodity trade.
India's GI-tagged rice varieties provide another opportunity for exporters. GI status can communicate regional identity and authenticity. This is helpful especially for exporters to differentiate specific varieties of rice from generic rice products. APEDA has highlighted the promotion of GI-tagged non-basmati varieties of rice as part of efforts to strengthen the sector's international positioning.
Non-Basmati Rice Export Prices and Market Factors
There is no single international price for Indian non-basmati rice.
The export price depends on several variables, including:
- Rice variety
- Raw, steamed or parboiled processing
- Broken percentage
- Grain length and uniformity
- Moisture content
- Sortex quality
- Packaging
- Order volume
- Origin and port
- Freight rates
- Destination market
- Currency movements
- Government export policy
- Seasonal availability
- Buyer payment terms
For example, a large-volume buyer purchasing a standard commodity specification may negotiate a very different price from a buyer looking for a particular variety, lower broken percentage or customized retail packaging.
Exporters should therefore avoid quoting rice simply as “Indian non-basmati rice.” A serious B2B quotation should clearly specify the variety, processing type, broken percentage, crop, packaging, quantity, loading port and commercial terms.
Export policy can also have a direct effect on prices. In October 2024, DGFT removed the Minimum Export Price of US$490 per tonne that had applied to non-basmati white rice under HS 1006 30 90, making exports under that classification free subject to the applicable policy framework.
Because agricultural export policies can change, exporters should always verify the current DGFT notification before confirming a contract.
Non-Basmati Rice Exporters and Suppliers in India
India's supplier base includes rice mills, merchant exporters, processors, agricultural businesses and integrated food companies.
| State | Description |
|---|---|
| Punjab | Major rice-growing belt in northern India, with large volumes of paddy and a strong network of rice mills and traders. |
| Haryana | Important source of rice from northern India, with good access to processing facilities and transport networks. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Large rice-producing state with multiple non-basmati varieties available through a wide network of growers and mills. |
| West Bengal | One of India's biggest rice-producing regions, offering several varieties for domestic and bulk export requirements. |
| Chhattisgarh | Paddy is widely cultivated across the state, making it a useful sourcing base for traders and bulk rice suppliers. |
| Telangana | High paddy production has supported the growth of rice milling and processing, creating more supply for commercial buyers. |
| Andhra Pradesh | A key rice-producing state in southern India, with a range of varieties supplied to domestic and overseas markets. |
| Karnataka | Produces several non-basmati varieties and serves both regional demand and commercial rice trade. |
| Tamil Nadu | Well known for varieties such as Ponni and Jeera Samba, which are popular in southern Indian markets and among overseas buyers. |
| Odisha | Paddy cultivation is widespread across the state, providing a sizeable base for sourcing non-basmati rice. |
Top Non Basmati Rice Suppliers in India
Here is a list of top non-basmati rice suppliers in India that dominate the global market. These suppliers have a renowned reputation for supplying the bulk quantities to global markets that import non-basmati rice in bulk.
| Company | Location | Why Buyers Know Them |
|---|---|---|
| LT Foods Ltd. | Haryana | A major Indian rice company with a wide international distribution network and experience across different rice categories. |
| KRBL Ltd. | Uttar Pradesh / Delhi NCR | One of India's best-known rice companies, with large-scale processing and an established presence in international markets. |
| Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. | Haryana | An established rice exporter with long-standing international trade experience and a broad export network. |
| Kohinoor Foods Ltd. | Haryana | Known internationally for its rice products and established distribution across overseas markets. |
| Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar (Exports) Ltd. | Haryana | An established Indian rice exporter with experience supplying different rice varieties to international buyers. |
| Shri Lal Mahal Group | Delhi | One of India's long-established rice trading and export businesses, serving buyers across multiple international markets. |
| Sarveshwar Foods Ltd. | Jammu & Kashmir | Food and rice company with domestic and international distribution, including specialty and non-basmati rice products. |
| Deccan Grainz Pvt. Ltd. | India | A bulk rice supplier with international shipment activity and a focus on export markets. |
| Noble Shipping Pvt. Ltd. | India | An export-oriented supplier appearing among high-volume Indian non/basmati rice shipment suppliers in recent trade-data listings. |
| Tradologie-listed rice suppliers | Multiple Indian states | Provides access to verified Indian rice millers and suppliers, including businesses dealing in non-basmati rice for bulk trade. |
For buyers, selecting the right supplier involves more than comparing quotations.
A reliable Top Indian non-basmati rice supplier should be able to provide:
- Product specification
- Variety and origin details
- Available monthly quantity
- Processing type
- Broken percentage
- Moisture and quality parameters
- Laboratory reports where required
- Packaging options
- Loading port
- Shipment lead time
- Payment terms
- Export documentation
Buyers should also request samples before confirming large contracts, particularly when the purchase depends on grain appearance, cooking characteristics or a specific variety.
For exporters, building buyer confidence through transparent specifications and consistent shipments can be more valuable than competing solely on the lowest price.
Conclusion
India's non-basmati rice export market has reached a scale that makes it an important part of global food commodity trade. With 15.01 million MT exported in 2025-26 and export value of US$5.82 billion , Indian suppliers have a strong foundation from which to serve international markets.
The strongest opportunities are likely to remain in markets where Indian rice offers a combination of price competitiveness, suitable varieties and reliable availability.
Exporters need to understand that non-Basmati rice is generally but not always supplied to price-sensitive markets. So rather than treating non-Basmati rice just as a single commodity, it is important to understand the market demand and needs of the buyers in the form of specification, packaging, price, and clear documentation.
As global buyers continue looking for dependable sources of staple food commodities, India's diverse non-basmati rice portfolio gives its exporters a strong platform for continued international growth.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Export volumes, prices, market demand, government policies, documentation requirements, and trade regulations may change over time. Exporters and buyers should verify the latest DGFT, APEDA and destination-country requirements and independently confirm product specifications and commercial terms before entering into a transaction.
