Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Basmati Rice Exports from R.S. Pura Belt

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has begun to cast a shadow on India’s agricultural export sector, with traders and millers in Jammu and Kashmir's renowned rice belt of R.S. Pura reporting significant disruptions in the export of premium basmati rice.

- Observer News Service

RS. Pura basmati, which enjoys a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is internationally recognised for its distinct aroma, long grain and superior cooking quality.

The rice is exported in large quantities every year to markets across the Gulf region, Europe, and several other countries. However, exporters say that escalating hostilities in the Middle East have severely disrupted shipping routes, leaving several consignments stranded and creating uncertainty in the export chain.

Traders in the region told KNO that consignments of basmati rice are currently stuck either in transit or at ports due to disruptions in shipping routes to Iran and other Gulf destinations. The Middle East is among the largest consumers of basmati rice, which is widely used in traditional dishes such as biryani.