West Asia Conflict to Significantly Impact India's Rice and Agricultural Trade: Ex-Agriculture Secretary
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West Asia Conflict Threatens India's Rice, Agri Trade: Former Agriculture Secretary Warns
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CNBC TV18•17-03-2026, 17:52
West Asia Conflict Threatens India's Rice, Agri Trade: Former Agriculture Secretary Warns
•Former Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain warns that the persistent West Asia conflict could severely disrupt India's agricultural exports, especially rice, directly impacting farmers' incomes.
•Approximately 22% of India's agricultural exports go to West Asian countries, with rice exports alone accounting for about $4.5 billion; the Iranian market closure could significantly affect basmati exports.
•The conflict is expected to increase freight and insurance costs and cause supply disruptions, potentially impacting fertilizer availability, as 65-70% of India's fertilizer production relies on imported inputs.
•Shipment delays due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are already affecting exports of bananas, meat, and spices, leading to softened domestic prices for perishables like eggs and watermelons.
•Hussain also highlighted the risk of a weaker monsoon, which could further compound uncertainty for the upcoming kharif season, adding to the challenges posed by the conflict.
