Exports of farm, processed food rise 12% in April-Sept

Rice, buffalo meat, and fruits & vegetables key drivers

- SANDIP DAS

INDIA'S EXPORTS OF agricultural and processed food products continued to grow at a brisk pace in the current fiscal year, with shipments rising more than 12%year-on-yearto $12.17 billion in the April-September period of FY26.

The increase came despite the US imposing higher tariffs, and was largely driven bya surge in exports of rice, buffalo meat, fruits and vegetables.

Rice exports including basmati and non-basmati varieties climbed more than 10% froma year earlier to $5.63 billion duringthe six-month period.In September 2025, India, the world’s biggest rice exporter, shipped grain worth $920 million, up 33% from September 2024.

In FY25, rice exports were at arecord $12.47 billion, an increase of over 20% compared to FY24.