Suraj Agarwal, CEO of Ricevilla Foods, stated that there is a pressing need for improved infrastructure for rice mills and warehouses, especially in rural regions where inadequate roads, drainage, and prolonged electricity connections hinder operations.
“In numerous rural districts, obtaining electricity connections for new rice mills can take months, leading to delays, increased project costs, and ongoing challenges. The industry is seeking quicker services and better infrastructure support from the government,” Agarwal mentioned.
He emphasized that modern storage and logistics systems are essential as India’s yearly rice production has surpassed 1,500 lakh tonnes, while government rice reserves have exceeded 590 lakh tonnes.
The industry has also requested a single-window clearance system for licenses and approvals to streamline processes and cut down on paperwork.
Agarwal further advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Rice Industry Development Board to facilitate collaboration among farmers, mill operators, exporters, and government bodies for the industry’s comprehensive development.
This demand gained traction following a nearly 19% increase in India’s rice exports in 2025, reaching around 215 lakh tonnes after the easing of export restrictions, according to industry officials.
India is currently the largest rice exporter globally, accounting for nearly 40% of the entire rice trade. Of the estimated 550 lakh tonnes of global rice trade annually, India exports more than 200 lakh tonnes.
The industry also highlighted the necessity for enhanced rail and port connectivity to boost exports from eastern India.
West Bengal’s high-quality rice varieties, such as Gobindo Bhog and Tulai Panji, both recognized with GI tags, are experiencing growing demand in both domestic and international markets.
“Government initiatives supporting the branding and marketing of Bengal’s premium rice varieties can significantly enhance exports and solidify the global presence of Bengal rice,” Agarwal stated.
In addition, Sushil K Choudhury, chairman of the West Bengal Rice Mills Owners Association, noted that the state’s rice mills are “not in good condition” due to extensive free rice distributions under various governmental schemes.
“Around 3.5 crore beneficiaries are receiving rice from the state pool, along with an additional 6.5 crore from the central pool. We believe that the 3.5 crore beneficiaries from the state pool are above the BPL category and should not be receiving free rice. Ending this would have a direct positive effect on the viability of rice mill owners,” Choudhury remarked.
He mentioned that approximately 1,500 rice mills operate in West Bengal, with nearly 550 involved in government procurement, while the rest focus on private marketing and exports. Many rice mills have already shut down due to losses, he indicated.
Industry projections suggest that despite West Bengal contributing nearly 150 lakh tonnes to India’s overall rice production, a limited amount currently reaches export markets directly. Stakeholders are confident that targeted branding and export initiatives could enable the state to capture a larger share of India’s rice export market, valued at over ₹90,000 crore.
