Hyderabad: Telangana is seeking to expand its presence in international rice markets through direct trade partnerships and premium-quality grain exports. Stephen Raveendra, Commissioner of Telangana Civil Supplies and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary, outlined the strategy at the International World Rice Conference (IWRC) 2026 in Manila, Philippines.
Addressing international agricultural leaders, Raveendra highlighted Telangana’s growing role in rice production and invited global trade partners to establish direct commercial ties with the state. He said Telangana rice exports could help the state move beyond supplying domestic demand towards serving international consumers.
According to Raveendra, Telangana produced 18.5 million tonnes of rice last season. He said this represented nearly 12 per cent of India’s total rice production, despite the state accounting for only 10 per cent of the country’s rice-growing land.
The Civil Supplies Department is shifting its focus from managing surplus stocks to generating greater value through international trade. Raveendra said the state was promoting high-quality fine and superfine rice varieties to meet overseas consumer preferences and premium market requirements.
Telangana rice exports target long-term global partnerships
Building on a shipment of 30,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines in 2025, Telangana is pursuing long-term supply partnerships. The state is targeting buyers across Asia, Africa and the Middle East to widen its international market reach.
Raveendra encouraged international buyers, retailers, food corporations and exporters to work directly with local suppliers. These partnerships would support traceable and customised shipments tailored to buyers’ requirements.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparent and long-term trade relationships. The government aims to establish Telangana as a recognised, reliable and globally competitive source of premium rice.