A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Paddy Export from India

Key Points:

• The top paddy-importing countries are China, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, the United States, and Indonesia.
• The major paddy exporters in India are Shiv Shakti International, Shree Krishna Rice Mills, Vi Exports India, KRBL Limited and Bhagwati Lacto Vegetarian Exports Pvt. Ltd.
• The top paddy HSN codes are 10061010, 100610, 10061090, 100620, 10062000 and 100630.
• As per paddy export data, India exported 19.86 million tons of rice between April 1, 2024, and March 25, 2025, for the fiscal year 2024–2025.

As we know, India plays a crucial role in the global paddy export market as one of the world's biggest producers of rice. The nation produces a sizable amount of paddy annually thanks to its fertile land and ideal climate. For Indian traders, exporting paddy (unhusked rice) can be a lucrative endeavour, particularly in light of the growing demand for rice and its derivatives worldwide.

In this blog, we will walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to start paddy export from India, including the paddy export data, paddy HSN code, a list of paddy exporters in India, licensing, documentation, compliance, and key markets.

Can We Export Paddy From India?

Yes, India is a major exporter of rice worldwide, and it can export. India is the biggest exporter of rice in the world, and the process entails meeting quality standards, obtaining the required licenses, and adhering to government regulations.

India has removed the majority of its export restrictions on rice, including the prohibition on 100% broken rice, as of March 2025. A good harvest and surplus stocks have made it possible to remove the majority of the restrictions that were previously in place to control domestic supply and prices.

Paddy Production & Export Values:

• One of the main cereals and food grains that India produces and exports is rice. Although China is the world's top producer of rice. 
• India is the second-largest exporter of rice, but it is the country with the highest export ranking. 
• The total amount of rice produced in the fiscal year 2021–2022 was 1294.71 lakh tonnes. This amount increased dramatically to 1357.55 lakh tonnes in FY 2022–2023 and then slightly to 1370 lakh tonnes in FY 2023–2024.

Let’s explore the statistics on paddy export from India.

Paddy Export from India: 2025 Analysis

According to paddy export data, India shipped 19.86 million tons of rice during the fiscal year 2024–2025, which began on April 1, 2024, and ended on March 25, 2025. This exceeds the 16.36 million tons of total exports during the fiscal year 2023–2024.

While basmati rice made a substantial contribution, non-basmati types, such as parboiled rice, accounted for a sizable portion of these exports.

Export of Paddy from India (April 1, 2024 - March 25, 2025)

The following table provides an overview of the details of Paddy export from India:

With total exports for the April 1, 2024–March 25, 2025 period already surpassing total exports for the entire previous fiscal year, India's rice exports have increased significantly. It is well known that the nation dominates the world market for rice, especially basmati rice, which is in high demand from West Asian nations.

Source: https://www.dgciskol.gov.in/

• Export of Basmati Rice by India has been experiencing a rising trend both in terms of quantity exported and in terms of export value.
• Earned from FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23. In FY 2023-24, Exports of commodity code A3 had a share of 1.34% in India’s total export.
• Value basket, higher than the 2021-22 and 2022-23 figures of 0.84% and 1.06%, respectively.

• In FY 2023–24, exports of rice other than Basmati have drastically decreased, largely due to India's export prohibition policy.
• On non-basmati rice since July 2023) from FY 2022–2023 by 28.05% in terms of export value and 37.52% in terms of export quantity.
• As a result, A4's percentage of overall exports decreased from 1.41% to 1.05% in 2023–2024 compared to 2022–2023.

List of  Paddy Exporting Countries

India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the United States are the top exporters of basmati rice, according to data from exporters.

Here is the table for the top paddy exporting countries:

Therefore, with an export value of 16,500 metric tons, India is regarded as the biggest exporter of basmati rice. The countries listed above thus control the majority of the world's exports of basmati rice. India is the largest exporter of rice in the world, with an export value of $10.76 billion.

However, for more details on Indian exporters of basmati rice or Paddy export from India, go to ExportImportData.in

India’s Major Export Destinations for Rice

• According to paddy export data, the top 10 export locations for basmati rice are fairly stable, accounting for 77.5% of India's total exports in FY 2023–2024.
• The top 10 destinations' share, however, has been steadily declining since FY 2021–2022, when it was 80%.
• As a result, the percentage of all other destinations has been steadily increasing, which is encouraging for export destination diversification.
• Compared to FY 2021–2022, the shares of Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait among the top 10 export destinations decreased in FY 2023–24, while the shares of the other seven top export destinations increased.
• Asian and Middle Eastern countries are India's top rice export partners, aside from the United States and the United Kingdom.

List of Major Paddy HSN Codes

Here is the list of top paddy HSN Codes:

So, these are the top Paddy HSN Codes. Now, explore the major paddy exporters in India.

Paddy Exporters in India

Here is the list of top paddy exporters in India:

• Shiv Shakti International
• Shree Krishna Rice Mills
• Vi Exports India
• KRBL Limited
• Bhagwati Lacto Vegetarian Exports Pvt. Ltd
• Rice India Exports Pvt. Ltd
• Muskan Overseas
• Mahavir Rice Mill
• Anaya Export
• Zaria Industries Private Limited

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Paddy Export from India

Step 1: Understand the Product and Its HS Code

Before you dive into the export business, it's crucial to identify the correct classification of your product.

• Product: Paddy (Unhusked Rice).
• HS Code for Paddy: 100610 (for husk-on rice).
• You must also distinguish between paddy, parboiled paddy, and basmati/non-basmati rice, as they are treated differently in export regulations.

Step 2: Obtain the Mandatory Documents

You might need a number of documents to begin exporting basmati rice from India, including an export license, ISO 22000 (food safety), HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), or other pertinent certifications.

The following are crucial actions for exporting basmati rice from India: We begin by talking about the paperwork:

• Import Export Code (IEC)
• Apeda Registration
• Quality Certificates (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP)
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Health Certificate
• Certificate of Origin
• Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Shipping Instruction
• Insurance Certificate
• Customs Declaration Form

Step 3: Check the Export Policy

Paddy exports are governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). As of now:

• Basmati rice is freely exportable.
• Non-basmati rice and paddy are subject to periodic changes in policy, such as Minimum Export Price (MEP), export bans, or duties.

Always visit the DGFT website or consult with your customs broker for the latest notifications.

Step 4: FSSAI and APEDA Registration

Since paddy is a food commodity, food safety and export promotion registrations are essential.

• FSSAI License: To ensure the safety and quality of food products.
• APEDA Registration: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) promotes exports of agri-products like rice and paddy.
  • Visit apeda.gov.in to register.
  • APEDA also helps in exporters’ training and provides market intelligence.

Step 5: Identify Target Export Markets

Some of the top importers of Indian paddy and rice include

• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Benin
• Senegal
• Vietnam (for reprocessing)

Study import regulations, phytosanitary norms, and consumption patterns of each country to tailor your strategy.

Step 7: Find Reliable Buyers

ExportImportData Solutions offers the most recent information on exporting basmati rice from India, including the paddy HSN code, Indian exporters, and the precise importers of basmati rice.

ExportImportData.in is a dedicated platform that gives accurate, up-to-date, and genuine Indian basmati rice export data, paddy exporting countries, as well as a list of exports of basmati rice from India. Additionally, it contains data on the export of basmati rice from India as well as the paddy exporters in India.

Finally, a few words!

Starting a Paddy export from India can unlock massive opportunities if approached with proper planning and compliance. From choosing the right market and obtaining export licenses to managing logistics and ensuring product quality, every step counts.

Platforms like ExportImportData solutions provide verified import export data, global buyer contacts, and trade analytics to help exporters like you succeed faster.

However, if you are still facing any issue in obtaining paddy export data, paddy exporters in India, paddy HSN code or paddy export statistics from India, connect with ExportImportData.in and book a free live demo today.

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