Context:
Due to the West Asia conflict, about 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice are stuck at Indian ports amid shipping disruptions; exporters seek government support.
1. World’s Top Rice Producers
China | India | Indonesia
2. World’s Top Rice Exporters
India | Thailand | Vietnam
Top Rice-Producing States (India):
West Bengal | Uttar Pradesh | Punjab
3. India’s Rice Exports — Destinations
Basmati (Premium):
• West Asia/Gulf: Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq
• Others: U.S., U.K., EU (smaller share)
Non-Basmati (Bulk):
• Africa: Benin, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo
• Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal
• Others: Malaysia, Philippines
4. Basmati — GI Status (India)
• GI name: Basmati (under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999)
• Registered by: APEDA
• GI belt: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, W. UP, Jammu region
5. Rice
• Season: Mainly Kharif (sown Jun–Jul; harvested Oct–Nov); also Rabi/Summer rice in some regions with irrigation.
• Temperature: ~20–35°C (high during growth; cooler during ripening).
• Rainfall/Water: ~100–200 cm or assured irrigation; thrives in standing water fields.
• Soil: Fertile alluvial/clayey loams with good water retention; lowland plains ideal.
