Dear Members,

The past year has brought about significant changes in the global rice trade, impacting both opportunities and challenges for us as an industry. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, along with fluctuating international trade regulations, have put additional pressure on Basmati rice exports. We continue to face hurdles, such as rising production costs and evolving international quality standards, especially in light of new labelling and traceability requirements. However, our collective resilience has ensured that Indian rice continues to hold a prominent position in global markets.
The current discussions with government bodies on Minimum Residue Limits (MRLs) and the proposed labelling guidelines are top priorities for AIREA. We are in active dialogue with relevant authorities to ensure that these regulations are favourable for our exporters while maintaining the high-quality standards that our consumers worldwide have come to expect from Indian Basmati rice.
Additionally, the recent favourable monsoon predictions for the Kharif season have brought hope to farmers, and we anticipate an improvement in production. However, the recent drops in Basmati rice prices are a cause for concern. We are engaging with the government on export price stabilization measures and advocating for continued support in the form of interest subvention for MSME exporters.
At AIREA, we remain committed to safeguarding the interests of all our members. Our focus continues to be on enhancing market access, addressing international trade barriers, and ensuring that Indian Basmati rice retains its premium status in global markets. I urge each one of you to remain vigilant, adaptive, and united as we navigate these evolving conditions together.
Let us make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead and strive for continued growth and success in this dynamic business environment.

With Best Regards
(Satish Goel)
President, AIREA