New Delhi: The Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF) has launched a bulk-shipping initiative that aims to reduce freight costs for Basmati rice exports to Iraq by nearly 74 per cent, from USD 350 to USD 90 per tonne, in a move expected to strengthen India's competitiveness in the Middle East market, where Basmati exports stood at Rs 34,284 crore in FY 2025-26.
According to a press release issued by IREF on Monday, the initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Singapore-based Eximwala Solutions Pte. Ltd., covers bulk shipments of 1,02,210 metric tonnes of Basmati rice to Iraq through three vessels.