VARIETIES of RICE
Rice is a staple crop in many Asian countries, and the varieties harvested in Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Myanmar are tailored to the climatic conditions, cultural preferences, and culinary traditions of each region. Below is a detailed classification and specification of the key rice varieties from these countries:
India
- Global Rank: Largest exporter of rice globally.
- Export Volume: Approximately 20–22 million metric tons annually (as of 2023).
- Export Share: Over 40% of the global rice trade.
- Key Varieties Exported:
- Basmati Rice: To markets in the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
- Non-Basmati Rice: To countries in Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Major Markets:
- Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq).
- Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire).
- Europe (UK, Netherlands).
Thailand
- Global Rank: Second-largest rice exporter.
- Export Volume: Approximately 7–8 million metric tons annually.
- Export Share: Around 15% of the global rice trade.
- Key Varieties Exported:
- Jasmine Rice (Hom Mali): Premium aromatic rice.
- White Rice: Milled and parboiled varieties.
- Glutinous Rice (Sticky Rice): Popular for desserts and regional cuisines.
- Major Markets:
- China, the USA, and African nations.
- High demand in premium markets (Europe, Japan).
Pakistan
- Global Rank: Fourth-largest exporter.
- Export Volume: Approximately 4–5 million metric tons annually.
- Export Share: 8–10% of the global rice trade.
- Key Varieties Exported:
- Basmati Rice: Dominates exports, mainly to the Middle East and Europe.
- IRRI Rice: Non-aromatic, exported to Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Major Markets:
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
- Africa and Europe.
Vietnam
- Global Rank: Third-largest exporter.
- Export Volume: Approximately 6–7 million metric tons annually.
- Export Share: Roughly 14% of global trade.
- Key Varieties Exported:
- Fragrant Rice: Similar to jasmine rice.
- High-Quality White Rice: Milled varieties for general consumption.
- Broken Rice: Exported primarily to Africa for use in processed foods.
- Major Markets:
- China, Philippines, and Malaysia.
- Expanding to Europe under free trade agreements.
Myanmar
- Global Rank: Fifth-largest exporter in Asia.
- Export Volume: Approximately 2–3 million metric tons annually.
- Export Share: 4–5% of global rice trade.
- Key Varieties Exported:
- Emata Rice: Medium-grain rice for general consumption.
- Glutinous Rice: Exported regionally.
- Major Markets:
- China and ASEAN countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Cambodia
- Global Rank: Smaller exporter but with a growing market share.
- Export Volume: Approximately 1–1.5 million metric tons annually.
- Export Share: 2–3% of global trade.
- Key Varieties Exported:
- Jasmine Rice (Phka Malis): Highly aromatic and premium.
- Major Markets:
- EU and China.
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Largest Rice Exporters in Asia
Country | Export Volume (5-Year Avg.) (Million Tons) | Global Rank | Key Varieties Exported | Export Share (%) | Major Markets | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India | 20 | 1st | Basmati (1121, Pusa), Non-Basmati (IRRI, Parboiled) | ~40% | Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE), Africa (Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire), Europe (UK, Netherlands) | Dominates with high-quality basmati and bulk non-basmati exports. |
Thailand | 7.5 | 2nd | Jasmine Rice (Hom Mali), White Rice, Glutinous Rice | ~15% | China, USA, Japan, Europe | Renowned for premium aromatic rice like jasmine. |
Vietnam | 6.8 | 3rd | Fragrant Rice, White Rice, Broken Rice | ~14% | China, Philippines, Malaysia | Strong focus on fragrant rice and expanding into Europe. |
Pakistan | 4.4 | 4th | Basmati (Super Basmati, PK 385), IRRI Rice | ~10% | Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia), Africa | High demand for aged basmati rice in premium markets. |
Myanmar | 2.5 | 5th | Emata, Glutinous Rice | ~5% | China, ASEAN (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia) | Exports mainly medium-grain varieties regionally. |
Cambodia | 1.2 | 6th | Jasmine Rice (Phka Malis) | ~3% | EU, China, ASEAN | Growing market share for premium aromatic rice. |
China | 1.0 (re-exports) | – | Medium-grain Japonica, Glutinous Rice | ~2% | North Korea, Africa | Primarily a producer but re-exports surplus rice. |
Bangladesh | Minimal exports | – | Local aromatic rice (e.g., Kalijira, Chinigura) | <1% | Regional markets | Focuses on meeting domestic demand, exports are occasional. |
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