- Area under rice cultivation enlarged to 3.90 million hectares reflecting growth of 7.29
According to the latest forecasts from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), world rice production in the 2025–2026 crop year is expected to reach almost 556.4 million tons, a significant rise as against to the previous crop year and setting a new record high. Because of large beginning stocks, total global rice supply is estimated at 767.2 million tons, the highest in history. In this overall scenario, India emerges as a key player. Its rice production is projected to stand 151–152 million tons, far exceeding traditional rivals like Thailand, China and Vietnam. This enormous supply not only ensures local food security but also creates unprecedented export potential, laying the foundation for India to become a new price anchor for the worldwide rice market. The rise in production is occurring against a backdrop where consumption growth is not keeping pace with supply.
Experts recorded that the global inventory-to-consumption ratio is projected to remain at a favorable level of almost 38.7 percent, reflecting a very high degree of safety margin in the market. For the group of main exporting countries, this ratio also increased nearly 32 percent, showing that the supply to the international market remains abundant in the medium term. It is said that this large surplus-inventory structure is creating systemic downward price pressure, rather than just short-term seasonal fluctuations. 2025 witnessed a significant fall in rice prices on the international market. The FAO’s Global Rice Price Index (FARPI) declined by almost 20 percent year-on-year (YoY), with a further 1.5 percent drop in November alone.
According to market sources and analysis from S&P Global Platts, the current price fall is likely not over yet, as new supply from India continues to enter the market and buyer sentiment remains cautious. Present forecasts suggest that the oversupply trend is likely to continue into 2026. Global rice prices are projected to remain under pressure for at least the first quarter of 2026, unless major weather or policy shocks occur.
In Pakistan, rice continued a strong presentation as a major contributor to our agriculture sector in FY2025. Area under rice cultivation enlarged to 3.90 million hectares, reflecting a growth of 7.2 percent. Despite a rise in cultivated area, production volume experienced a marginal fall of 1.38 percent, declining to 9.72 million tons. This reflects sustained high output relative to historical average. The reduction in the yield (from 2,713 kg/ha to 2,494 kg/ha) shows some pressure on productivity, potentially connected to localized weather, water availability, and input constraints. Over the past two years, the strong performance can be attributed to a consistent rise in cultivated area, buoyed by favourable weather patterns, international demand, and high local rice prices. The viewpoint for rice stays optimistic, contingent on continued exports and the competitiveness of Pakistani rice in global markets.
Presently scientists at the Rice Research Institute (RRI) have developed a new Basmati rice variety featuring the longest grain ever registered in Pakistan, measuring 9.66mm, a development expected to strengthen Pakistan’s image in premium rice markets. Developed in 2025, Sultan Super Basmati has a grain length of 9.66mm, the longest so far in Pakistan’s rice varietal spectrum. It is said that the cooked grain of Sultan Super Basmati attains a length of up to 20mm, a rare trait that enhances its appeal in international markets. The variety also has a yield potential of up to 77 maunds per acre, significantly higher than the average yield of almost 45 maunds per acre attained through existing Basmati varieties. Earlier, in 2023, this institute developed Sona Super Basmati, which held the record with a grain length of 9.5mm. To date, statistics showed that RRI has developed 33 high-yielding fine and coarse rice varieties, including Basmati 385, Super Basmati, Super Gold and Chenab.
Conclusion
In Pakistan, enhancing the quality of rice production requires a wide approach that focuses on adopting the latest farming techniques, offering farmers with access to high-quality seeds, and promoting the use of advanced machinery. Implementing better water management practices and encouraging sustainable irrigation methods can improve yield quality and prevent crop damage. Training farmers on integrated pest management and proper fertilization can reduce contamination and improve grain quality. Furthermore, strengthening extension services and ensuring timely access to agricultural inputs will help farmers follow best practices.
No doubt, rice exporters have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the new variety would help Pakistan enhance its presence in international markets. Extra-long grain rice is highly sought after globally. However, for export success, the variety must be adopted quickly by farmers.