India’s Agri Exports Surge 13% In FY25; Led By Rice Boom

India’s agricultural and processed food exports surged by 13% year-on-year in FY2024-25, reaching $25.14 billion, according to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS).

This growth outpaced the country’s marginal rise in overall exports, as a 20% spike in basmati and non-basmati rice shipments primarily fueled the surge.

Rice Exports Hit Record $12.47 Billion

India’s rice exports in FY25 crossed $12.47 billion, up from $10.41 billion in FY24, making it the single largest contributor to the agricultural export basket.

Industry estimates suggest that rice export volumes may have exceeded 20 million tonnes during the fiscal year.

This growth followed the Indian government’s decision in September 2024 to ease restrictions on rice exports, including the removal of the minimum export price (MEP).

These restrictions, initially imposed to control domestic prices, were lifted after a bumper harvest and healthy stock levels.

Industry Welcomes Competitive Pricing

Akshay Gupta, India Head of Export at KRBL, one of the country’s largest basmati exporters, credited the MEP removal for boosting competitiveness.

“The government’s move to eliminate the $950/tonne MEP allowed Indian exporters to deliver premium rice more competitively to global consumers,” Gupta told. KRBL’s ‘India Gate’ basmati rice is exported to over 90 countries.

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Ranjit Singh Jossan, Managing Director of Jossan Grains in Punjab, added that India shipped 5 million tonnes of premium basmati rice in FY25 well ahead of its closest competitor, Pakistan, which exports less than 1 million tonnes annually.

India Strengthens Global Rice Dominance

India has maintained its status as the world’s largest rice exporter for over a decade.

According to trade sources, the recent spike in shipments has helped restore India’s dominance in the global rice trade, especially across Africa and Southeast Asia.

Gupta also noted growing demand from non-traditional markets, increasing use of agri-tech, and rising emphasis on sustainability across the supply chain—all factors expected to sustain export momentum in the near future.

Meat, Dairy, And Fresh Produce Exports Also Rise

India also saw significant gains in other agri-product segments:

• Buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry exports rose 12.5%, reaching $5.09 billion, up from $4.52 billion in FY24.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables saw a 5% increase, reaching $3.86 billion.
• Cereal preparations, including processed grain-based products, grew 8%, totaling $2.85 billion.

Officials attribute the steady rise in buffalo meat exports to global recognition of Indian bovine meat quality and nutrient value.

APEDA Sets Ambitious Target For FY26

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set a target of $26.56 billion for exports in FY2025-26.

Products under APEDA’s purview currently account for about 51% of India’s total agricultural exports. The remaining share includes exports of marine products, tobacco, coffee, and tea.

Favorable government policies, rising international demand, and improved competitiveness have positioned India’s agri-export sector for further growth.

The focus on premium segments, sustainable practices, and market diversification may help India maintain its stronghold in the global agricultural trade landscape.