{
  "id": 3448005,
  "title": "India's rice exports to 26 markets rise despite challenges; BIRC 2026 to drive diversification",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/indias-rice-exports-to-26-markets-rise-despite-challenges-birc-2026",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-26T06:25:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times - Economy",
    "slug": "the-economic-times-economy",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/indias-rice-exports-to-26-markets-rise-despite-challenges-birc-2026-to-drive-diversification/articleshow/133532222.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's rice exports to 26 priority markets increased by 1.1% in value and 5.6% in volume from November 2025 to March 2026, according to analysis by the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF). Despite facing challenges like varying demand conditions, pricing pressures, freight costs, and import policies, the exports reached Rs 23,476 crore and 4.79 million tonnes during the period, surpassing the average of the preceding three years.\n\nEleven of the 26 target countries saw year-on-year growth in both export value and volume. The UAE saw the strongest growth, with a 65% increase in export value and a 64% rise in volume. Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Canada, and Senegal also recorded notable gains, with export values rising by 53.8%, 33.5%, 31.3%, 26.9%, 26%, 22.3%, 22.1%, 20.5%, 10.2%, and 5.3% respectively, while export volumes grew by 64%, 24.6%, 44.5%, 44.5%, 44.5%, 22.3%, 22.1%, 20.5%, 10.2%, and 29.9% respectively.\n\nIndia is seeking to diversify its rice export markets due to high domestic production and the need to develop demand beyond traditional destinations. The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, set to take place from October 23 to 25, 2026, in New Delhi, will further promote the cuisine-led approach to expanding India's rice exports. The conference will feature a Global Rice Festival, showcasing 24 international dishes and 10 regional Indian biryanis made with Indian rice varieties selected based on their aroma, texture, starch, grain length, and absorption.\n\nThe conference aims to connect trade promotion with consumer acceptance and build sustained demand for Indian rice varieties. By moving away from a volume-led growth strategy to an application-led diversification approach, India plans to position individual rice grains according to the functional requirements of different cuisines and markets.",
  "summary": "India's rice exports to key markets saw value and volume increases recently. The Bharat International Rice Conference aims to boost these exports further. This event will focus on showcasing Indian rice varieties for diverse international cuisines. Chefs and consumers will engage with Indian rice through various culinary activities. The strategy shifts from volume to application-led…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}