Non Basmati Rice: Driving Health and Export Markets Worldwide
Non-basmati rice, in general, refers to all rice varieties that are not basmati rice. There are 10,000 varieties of rice, among which, basmati rice has only 1% contribution. They come in different grain sizes, ranging from short to medium, which becomes sticky in texture after cooking. This is because of the higher amylopectin (a starch type), which makes them soft and fluffy. These are mainly used in making Chinese cuisines (fried rice), Idlis, Dosas, kheer, and others. Not just that, it is also a key commodity in the agri-export industry.
Here are a few areas where non-basmati rice play a significant role:
| Benefits | How it helps |
| Weight management | It contains good carbohydrates and calories that control appetite and help you feel full for a longer period of time, hence keeping those random cravings in check. |
| Good heart health | Being rich in Vitamin B and magnesium, they promote cardiovascular health. |
| Digestive health | It keeps digestive issues (like constipation) far away, as it is enriched with a lot of fibre, which is easy to digest. |
| Boosts energy | It has a lot of complex carbohydrates, which are responsible for releasing glucose into the bloodstream. |
Expanding Export Opportunities for Non-Basmati Rice Global Trade
Non-basmati rice is a major component in the international trade of the food industry. It is a staple ingredient in kitchens and has extended culinary applications. Globally, India is the largest producer of non-basmati rice. It cultivates various varieties of rice, such as Sona Masuri, IR-64, Ponni, HMT, and others. This, along with Pakistan, Vietnam, and Thailand, exports around 80% of the world's total rice exports. Here are a few factors that increase the export volume of non-basmati rice:
- High surplus in exporting countries: Did you know that India produces more non-basmati rice than it consumes? Its production in 2024-25 reached around 149-151 MT. The Indian government actively takes some measures to manage this huge production by liberalizing rice exports and also diverting some of it to ethanol production. Other countries like Vietnam also produce non-basmati rice in large amounts and hence are active in its global trade.
- Rising global population and consumer demands: The global population is increasing at an accelerated rate, especially in Africa and Asia. And as rice contributes more than 20% to the world's dietary energy needs, and half of daily caloric intake. Population growth is expected to drive a 30% increase in non-basmati rice demand.\
- Affordability as compared to basmati rice: The non-basmati rice prices are more affordable than basmati and jasmine. Hence, bulk buyers of rice incline more towards non-basmati rice. It is solely because of this that Africa, Asia, and various Middle Eastern countries have switched to consuming more non-basmati rice.
What Non Basmati Rice Buyers Demand from Suppliers:
There are a few things that buyers of non-basmati rice look for when they trade internationally. As an exporter, you will need to meet those requirements to make a strong presence in the global trade industry. Here are those requirements:
- Grain Shape and Size: consistent, minimal variation
- Color: white, brown (depending on the specific type),
- Texture: sticky to firm, separate grains (after cooking)
- Flavor and Aroma: mild, neutral flavor
- Purity: low percentage of broken grains
- Cleanliness: Free from stones, dust, or foreign particles
- Food Safety: should have ISO, HACCP, FSSAI, or other country specific certification
Non Basmati Rice Types & Other Related Categories in the Global Market
| Non Basmati Rice Type | Key Factors | Available Grades | Uses |
| Sona Masoori | Short grains, white in color | Steam & Raw | South Indian cuisine |
| Ponni | Medium-grain rice, white in color | Parboiled & Raw | Curries, Sambar Rice |
| IR64 | Long-grain, high yield | Sella & Raw | Pilafs, Everyday Meals |
| Swarna | Short bold grain, golden-colored husk | Raw/White & Parboiled | South Indian dishes |
| Matta Rice (Rosematta or Kerala Red Rice) | Medium- to large-grain, reddish-brown in color | Single Boiled & Double Boiled | Idli, Appam |
| Sugandha Rice | Long-grain, high purity (95% or higher) | Raw & Steam | South Asian dishes |
| Sharbati Rice | Medium-long grain, polished | Sella (Parboiled) & Raw | Desserts, Biryanis |
| Jeera Samba Rice | Small, short-grain, oval in shape (similar to cumin) | Single Boiled / Double Boiled | Biryanis, Pulaos |
In the exporting business, the easiest way to expand your business is to start other related products as well. Here is what you can add as an exporter of non-basmati rice:
- Different types of non basmati rice: Matta Rice, Ponni Rice, Broken Rice, Long Grain Rice, Medium Grain Rice, Jeera Samba Rice, Short Grain Rice, and others
- Basmati rice: Sugandha Basmati Rice, Sharbati Basmati, Sella Basmati Rice, Indian Basmati Rice, 1121 Basmati Rice, etc
- Other rice varieties: Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice, Thai Rice, White Rice, Organic Rice, etc
Key Market Insights on Non Basmati Rice Export and Import
Entering the global trade industry will become a lot easier if you have prior information about the current market conditions. Therefore, down below are some of the important data, which could help you grow your non-basmati rice exporting business significantly:
Global Market Size
| Metric | Value |
| Market Size (2024) | $46.94 billion |
| Expected Market Size (2035) | $60.0 billion |
| CAGR | 2.25% |
Source: Market Research Future
Top Importing Countries for Non Basmati Rice (2024):
| Country Name | Total shipments |
| Nepal | 46,178 |
| US | 9,539 |
| UAE | 5,765 |
Source: Volza
How to Find Verified Non Basmati Rice Importers & Buyers Near Me & Globally?
To get the rice buyers' list, you will need the help of a few platforms. These can help you get in touch with the reliable buyers who are actively looking for business. Some of the reliable platforms you can refer to in your search for buyers are as follows:
- B2B platforms: These platforms can connect you with the most reliable buyers of non-basmati rice. Just sign up on B2B platforms, such as go4WorldBusiness, and search for the specific products you’re selling, such as non gmo basmati rice buyers, broken rice buyers, matta rice buyers, or others. You will be able to directly send a message to any buyer you want to do business with.
- Trade fairs: ANUGA, India Rice Expo, AIREA, Food Ingredients Europe, and others are some of the prominent trade exhibitions that are centered around different varieties of rice, including non-basmati rice. Just attend these exhibitions and you will be coming back with a lot of valuable connections.
- Social Media: You can also connect with international buyers with the help of social media sites like Instagram and Facebook. All you have to do is create a professional account for your exporting business and stay active by posting relevant stories and posts. Don’t forget to follow relevant people from the trading industry as well; you might also be closing a deal by talking to them on these platforms.
- Broker or middleman: Hiring professionals who specialize in global trade is a great idea for expanding your business. They have a lot of connections and can easily help you close a deal in just a few days. You just need to be clear on which country you want to work with and what you want to export.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
1. What is the duty on non-basmati rice?
The export duties on non-basmati rice have been removed, while the same for parboiled rice has been decreased from 20% to 10%.
2. Which countries import non-basmati rice?
The top importing countries of non-basmati rice are Nepal, the US, and the UAE.
3. Can we export non-basmati rice from India?
Yes, definitely. India is the top producer of non-basmati rice. With all essential documents and maintaining a high quality, you can easily export non-basmati rice from India to any international country.
4. What is the difference between basmati rice and non-basmati rice?
Basmati and non-basmati rice primarily differ in their aroma, shape, grain size, and cooking characteristics. Basmati rice has long, slender grains with a distinct aroma, whereas non-basmati rice comes in various shapes and sizes with less aromatic characteristics.
5. What type of rice is non-basmati?
Any rice that is not considered as basmati is non-basmati rice, such as Sona Masuri, Ponni, Red Rice, and others.
6. What is the non basmati rice HSN code?
10063010 is the non basmati rice HSN code.
7. What is the price of non basmati rice per kg?
In India, non-basmati rice is priced at INR 252 per kg.
8. Which country imports non basmati rice from India?
Countries like the USA, Benin, UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, and others import non-basmati rice from India.
Latest News Related to Non Basmati Rice Global Trade:
Japan has opened its market for rice exported by the USA by imposing 15% reciprocal tariffs. This deal was signed right after India didn’t agree to give the US access to its sensitive agricultural sectors, such as rice, dairy, GM crops, and others. (Full story: The Indian Express)
