{
  "id": 8047403,
  "title": "India’s basmati acreage dips, production poised to fall",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/indias-basmati-acreage-dips-production-poised-to-fall",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:27:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindu BusinessLine",
    "slug": "hindu-businessline",
    "url": "https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/indias-basmati-acreage-dips-production-poised-to-fall/article71477272.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's Basmati rice production faces a decline this year due to a nearly 4 per cent drop in cultivation area, primarily in west Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The drop in acreage could allow exporters to demand higher rates from overseas buyers amid ongoing tensions in the West Asian countries, which are key markets for Indian aromatic rice. Last year, domestic Basmati production was around 10 million tonnes. The acreage for Basmati crop is estimated to be about 100,000 hectares lower than in 2024, while Punjab's acreage remains unchanged. The production in the northern state may be higher compared to last year, where it was affected by heavy rains and floods. However, the fall in acreage for the second consecutive year is likely to impact prices this year. Basmati is also cultivated in non-GI states like Madhya Pradesh, where the acreage is lower due to deficient rainfall. Overall rice acreage in the state dropped by 1.75 lakh hectares compared to the previous year. In 2025 Kharif, rice acreage in Madhya Pradesh was 42.10 lakh hectares. Industry estimates put Basmati area at 6-7 lakh hectares in the state, and the entire fall in rice acreage this year is attributed to Basmati alone. In the 2025-26 Kharif season, India exported 6.52 million tonnes worth $5.67 billion of Basmati rice, with an average price of nearly $870 per tonne. During April-June of the current fiscal, exports were at 1.54 million tonnes worth $1.44 billion, with a value realization of about $938 per tonne. In Karnal, Haryana, the Pusa 1509 variety Basmati, which has a shorter duration than other varieties, is already being harvested and is selling at Rs 3,950 per quintal. Traders report that Basmati crops from both local and neighboring Shamli district (Uttar Pradesh) are in high demand due to lower acreage of the premium Pusa 1121 variety, with expectations of further price increases. Currently, Indian Basmati is quoted at $1,160 per tonne, up 15-20 per cent compared to last year. Comments are required in English and in full sentences, and must adhere to community guidelines.",
  "summary": "Dip in area, firm global prices brighten prospects for the aromatic rice",
  "key_points": [
    "Basmati rice acreage in India declines nearly 4% this year.",
    "Export demand rises as tensions persist in West Asian markets.",
    "Punjab's Basmati acreage unchanged despite higher production."
  ],
  "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."
}