- Pakistan’s rice exports thrive in key markets like Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s latest new report on global grain production, in 2025 Global wheat production could reach 796 million tonnes. This shows an increase of 1 per cent over the previous year. Wheat production in the European Union, especially France and Germany, may increase. FAO has projected more wheat sowing in these areas.
However, dry situations in Eastern Europe and heavy rains in the west could affect wheat yields. Wheat acreage in the US is expected to increase, but there are fears that yields could fall slightly because of the impact of drought on crops in winter.
Paddy production in India and the world is also explaining positive trends. FAO expects rice production to reach a record 543 million tonnes in 2024-25. This increase in rice production is driven by good crops in India and favourable weather situations in Cambodia and Myanmar.
No doubt, rice, a crucial staple food, sustains over half the world’s population and plays a pivotal role in the worldwide economy. The countries leading the world in rice production include China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia and Pakistan. China secures the top spot, producing an astounding 208.49 million tonnes of rice yearly. India closely follows as the second-largest producer, with an annual output of almost 196.25 million tons. Indonesia and Bangladesh claim the third and fourth positions, each producing more than 50 million tonnes of rice per year. Vietnam follows closely behind as the fifth-largest producer, contributing 42.6 million tonnes annually.
According to the ministry of finance-government of Pakistan, rice remained the promising crop 2023-24; its area significantly increased by 22.2 per cent to 3.6 million ha from 3.0 million ha in Pakistan. Its production grew 34.8 per cent to 9.9 million tonnes in 2023-24 against 7.3 million tonnes previous year. It has share of 0.6 per cent in GDP and 2.5 per cent in agriculture value addition. The rise in rice production was because of increased area under cultivation, supported by higher rice prices, favourable monsoon rains, and better export prospects since last year.
According to the report, agricultural experts from the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad recorded that worldwide rice production has reached 483 million tonnes, with Pakistan contributing over 6 million tonnes to this total. As a result, our country has advanced to 14th place in global rice production and fourth in the list of rice exporters.
Pakistan is now ranked fourth position in global rice exports, reflecting a significant increase in its rice production. It is said that major rice importers globally include countries like Iran, Nigeria, the Philippines, China, and Indonesia. Pakistan’s rice exports registered a remarkable 19 percent growth during the first half of the current fiscal year, despite worldwide trade disruptions and stiff competition from regional players. From July to December 2024, the country exported 3.06 million tonnes of rice worth $1.87 billion, compared to 2.57 million tonnes valued at $1.64 billion in the same period last year.
Basmati rice exports saw an impressive 30.4 per cent increase, reaching 416,491 tonnes worth $433.81 million, up from 367,465 tonnes valued at $318.85 million. Non-Basmati rice exports rose by 17.2 per cent to 2.65 million tonnes, generating $1.44 billion compared to 2.25 million tonnes worth $1.27 billion in 2023. The surge in exports came despite challenges like the Red Sea conflict, which disrupted trade routes and increased shipping costs. Sources recorded that India’s lifting of its rice export ban and removal of its minimum export price cap, combined with the rupee’s massive devaluation, intensified competition in global markets.
However, Pakistan’s premium-quality aromatic Basmati rice retained strong international demand. Exporters project rice exports could reach $4.5 billion by the end of FY2025, driven by favourable planting conditions and adequate irrigation during the growing season.
Pakistan’s focus on quality and its ability to counter unfair trade practices, like India’s alleged violations of World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements. The recent agreements, including one between Pakistan’s Trading Corporation and Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Food for Basmati exports, would further boost growth.
Plans to establish an analytical laboratory for scientific assessment of residue levels in rice could further enhance the commodity’s standards and appeal. Currently, Pakistan’s rice enjoys strong demand in key markets like Kenya, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with exporters exploring opportunities in Africa and other regions.