Push for Public–Private Partnership in Crop Intelligence

The Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on the Basmati Crop Survey 2026. The proposal frames the initiative as a structured public–industry partnership aimed at improving production forecasting, export planning, farmer outreach, and strengthening global credibility of Indian Basmati rice.

Call to Revive National Basmati Survey Framework

In its communication to APEDA leadership, IREF has recommended the revival of the annual Basmati crop survey, previously conducted through APEDA’s Basmati Export Development Foundation. The earlier system utilised satellite imagery, field assessments, and yield estimation across Basmati-growing regions. The federation noted that the absence of surveys since 2023 has created a data gap for exporters and market planners.

Two-Segment Survey Model Proposed

IREF has suggested restructuring the survey into two distinct segments: one covering Geographical Indication (GI) designated states and another covering non-GI regions such as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where Basmati cultivation is also reported. The proposal is positioned as a means to improve granularity in production assessment while addressing evolving cultivation patterns.

Contested Geography and Legal Sensitivities

The proposal arrives amid ongoing debate over the expansion of the Basmati GI zone. The inclusion of Madhya Pradesh remains under judicial consideration, making the proposed survey design politically and legally sensitive. The AI-based survey initiative, which reportedly spans around 4 million hectares despite official estimates of 2.14 million hectares of Basmati cultivation, has further intensified discussions around classification and scope.

Data-Driven Export Planning and Market Intelligence

IREF has argued that a coordinated survey mechanism would enable exporters to make more informed commercial decisions based on real-time crop conditions. The federation has also offered to contribute field-level intelligence through its network of exporters, millers, and farmer groups across key producing states, alongside support in validating findings and sharing international demand trends.

Toward a Structured Industry Engagement Model

The industry body has proposed participation in technical consultations and stakeholder review processes, suggesting that such engagement would enhance the accuracy and utility of survey outcomes. The collaboration is positioned as a mechanism to strengthen the Basmati value chain through improved data governance, market alignment, and institutional coordination.