Amit Goel, Founder And Group Managing Director, KNAM Group
Having spent over two decades deeply engaged with Indian Basmati rice-from the farms in the Indo-Gangetic plains to kitchens across the globe- I can confidently say that our heritage grain stands at a crucial crossroads today. It has evolved far beyond being a cultural symbol to become a globally significant commodity shaped by geopolitics, trade policy shifts, growing demand, and emerging technologies.
India's Enduring Dominance in Basmati Trade
India continues to command the premier position in the global Basmati market. Our grain's unique aroma and slender, elongated grains, nurtured across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, are safeguarded by the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This legal protection reinforces the worldwide perception of Indian Basmati as the gold standard of aromatic rice.
According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), our country exported approximately 5.24 million tonnes of Basmati rice in the financial year 2023-24, earning nearly USD 5.84 billion (around Rs 48,389 crore). Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq remain our most important markets, followed by Yemen, UAE, USA, and the UK, reflecting Basmati's embedded status in both households and foodservice globally.
A Growing Global Market- Opportunities and Realities
The global market for Basmati rice is expanding steadily. Estimates value the international Basmati segment at about USD 10.8 billion in 2024, with projections to exceed USD 17.6 billion by 2034 at a moderate annual growth rate. Other studies indicate even faster growth, expecting the segment to cross USD 23 billion by 2029. India's share remains pivotal, supported by the well-established brand equity, GI certification, and robust export infrastructure.
Challenges on the Horizon
That said, the path ahead is marked by several challenges. The geopolitical tensions in West Asia-particularly the Iran-Israel conflict-cast a long shadow over our exports. Around one-fifth to a quarter of India's Basmati exports have traditionally been destined for Iran, a market now complicated by sanctions, payment hurdles, and regional unrest. Already, nearly 100,000 tonnes of Basmati shipments to Iran are stranded at Indian ports due to insurance and shipping issues.
The Red Sea route, vital to our Middle Eastern shipments, faces heightened risks from conflict-driven insurance premiums and security concerns, leading to higher freight costs and sometimes rerouting. This context, combined with India's fluctuating export regulations, such as the temporary minimum export price imposition and bans on some rice categories, adds complexity and unpredictability.
Increasingly stringent pesticide residue norms and labelling requirements in the EU and Gulf countries further elevate compliance costs for exporters and failure to meet them risks shipment delays or bans.
Impact on Farmers and Cultivation Patterns
These external pressures resonate at the farm level. In Punjab and adjoining areas, the heartland of Basmati cultivation, we are witnessing a gradual reduction in acreage, partly due to farmer apprehension about price volatility and delayed payments. From around 7.63 lakh hectares in 2015-16, Basmati cultivation here has fallen to about 6.39 lakh hectares, a worrying trend that could undermine India's global supply leadership.
Harnessing Technology and Sustainability
At KNAM Foods, we believe technology and sustainability are critical to overcoming these challenges. Precision agriculture, satellite-based advisories, and water-efficient methods like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) are being introduced cautiously but steadily to enhance yields and reduce environmental footprints.
Digital traceability, quality control, and packaging innovations are also helping us meet international buyer expectations and protect brand India's premium image. There is robust interest in organic and residue-free Basmati, which we see as a growth avenue in Europe, North America, and other high-income markets.
The Road Ahead: Stability, Diversification, and Resilience
Looking forward, Indian Basmati's future rests on five pillars: stable, transparent export policies; diversification beyond traditional West Asian markets; investment in climate- and conflict-resilient cultivation; technological adoption; and strengthening India's brand as the undisputed source of authentic, high-quality Basmati.
With 5.24 million tonnes exported and close to USD 6 billion in revenue last year alone, Basmati is a strategic cornerstone for India's agricultural exports and food diplomacy. Navigating geopolitical uncertainty, trade regulation, and sustainability over the coming decade will determine whether Basmati sustains its leadership as a heritage grain with modern relevance - or cedes ground in one of the world's most dynamic premium food categories.
As an industry insider, I remain cautiously optimistic. With collaboration, innovation, and a firm commitment to quality, Indian Basmati can continue to delight taste buds worldwide while empowering millions of farmers back home.
By Amit Goel, Founder & Group Managing Director, KNAM Group
