Pakistan Admits Defeat to India in Rice Exports; Warns of Growing Agricultural Crisis

Islamabad: Pakistan has officially acknowledged that it is falling behind India in the global rice market. Speaking candidly, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan admitted that Pakistani rice is struggling to compete internationally, especially against Indian rice exports.

Pakistani Rice Faces Global Price Challenges

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Minister Kamal Khan explained that pricing issues are hurting Pakistan’s competitiveness.

• Indian Basmati rice is currently exported at ₹1,000 per kg, while Pakistani Basmati commands ₹1,250 per kg.
• For non-Basmati rice, there is a $20 per ton price difference, further weakening Pakistan’s position in the global market.

To counter this, the Pakistani government plans to provide Export Development Fund (EDF) support to rice exporters to maintain competitiveness.

Impact on Farmers

Kamal Khan highlighted the domestic repercussions, warning that without government support, around 3 million tons of rice may remain unsold. This could push farmers to switch to alternative crops in the next season, creating a ripple effect on Pakistan’s agricultural economy.

Government Response

Despite being one of the world’s leading rice exporters, Pakistan is now struggling to retain its share in global markets. The ministry is actively working to support exporters, maintain supply chains, and prevent further market losses.

Growing Agricultural Crisis

The minister also cautioned that delays or missteps in supporting farmers and exporters could worsen Pakistan’s economic challenges. With the national economy already under strain, setbacks in the rice sector may trigger a new crisis for the country’s agricultural and export sectors.

This admission underscores the growing gap between India and Pakistan in agricultural exports, highlighting the urgent need for strategic reforms in Pakistan’s rice production and pricing policies.