What does the Rice Export Sector need from Budget 2026? IREF’s big demands Money Live | What does the Rice Export Sector expect from Budget 2026? IREF’s major demands

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) has demanded focused and sustainable policy support for the rice export sector. The Federation says the budget should include fiscal and trade measures that strengthen both basmati and non-basmati rice exports, while also giving priority to farmers’ income and environmental balance. According to IREF, rice exports are important for the Indian economy, rural livelihoods and global food security.

But the sector is grappling with challenges like groundwater depletion, rising input costs, logistics bottlenecks, increasing fiscal burden on procurement and storage and global market volatility. The federation has sought linking water-saving and low-emission technologies like AWD, DSR, laser land leveling and energy-efficient milling with tax incentives and investment support, promotion of premium basmati, GI-tagged, organic and specialty varieties, interest subvention on export credit, freight facilitation and continuation of the RoDTEP scheme.

With the right policy push, India can further strengthen its position in the global rice market.