Indian push for 'Buddha rice' exports to Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore

The Uttar Pradesh government, in consultation with the commerce ministry, plans to promote the export of Kalanamak rice—also known as 'Buddha rice'—to countries with majority or large Buddhist populations.

- Dhirendra Kumar

The traditional aromatic variety, known for its nutritional richness and growing global demand, will be sold in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore and Nepal, among others, said UP's minister of industrial development, export promotion, NRI, and investment promotion, Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' in an interview.

The plan is to leverage the rice's historical association with these countries. While rice exports from India were restricted last year, the central government has allowed a special quota of up to 1,000 tonnes for Kalanamak rice.

Over 500 tonnes of the rice have been exported to Singapore, Nepal and other countries since the April 2024 waiver, the minister said. The rice is sought after in countries with Buddhist populations.