By Admin 
IREF Budget Demands 2026: The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) on Tuesday urged the government to provide tax incentives, interest subsidy and freight support in the upcoming 2026-27 budget. So that the competitiveness of this sector can be strengthened while removing sustainability concerns.
The trade organization demanded from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman four percent interest subsidy on export credit, three percent support for road and rail freight and timely distribution of duty waiver schemes.
demand for iref
IREF President Prem Garg said in a memorandum sent to the Finance Minister, these measures will directly reduce the cost of exporters. Will promote stability and encourage transportation of high value goods. He said that India’s share in global rice trade is about 40 percent. About 2.01 crore tonnes of rice was exported to more than 170 countries in the financial year 2024-25.
Garg further said that rice export remains a strategic economic asset. Which supports farmers’ income, rural employment and foreign markets. He said that continued leadership in this key food item enhances India’s economic strength and diplomatic influence. Garg also said that this sector, however, faces many challenges.
These include depletion of ground water in major paddy producing areas, high cost of procurement and storage and market instability. He said, the Union Budget can improve sustainability and farmers’ outcomes while strengthening competitiveness through targeted fiscal and supportive measures.
subsidy demanded
Regarding working capital, IREF demanded four percent interest subsidy on export credit, giving priority to small and medium enterprise rice exporters. This reduces financing costs, the association said. Cash flow is eased and price competitiveness improves.
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