T eyes global rice markets, shifts focus from surplus to value creation | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Civil supplies commissioner M Stephen Raveendra said the state is strategically shifting from managing agricultural surplus to creating greater value from its abundant rice output.Addressing global agricultural leaders at the International World Rice Conference (IWRC) 2026 in Manila, the Philippines, Raveendra highlighted Telangana’s rapid rise as an agricultural powerhouse and invited international buyers and trade partners to explore business opportunities in the state.“The state is actively promoting high-quality fine and superfine rice varieties to meet evolving international consumer preferences and establish a strong presence in premium global markets,” he said.Raveendra said that Telangana produced 18.5 million tonnes of rice last season, accounting for nearly 12% of India’s total rice output from just 10% of the country’s rice-growing area.Building on the successful export of 30,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines in 2025, the state is now seeking long-term supply partnerships across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. International buyers, retailers, food companies and exporters have been invited to source fine and superfine rice directly from Telangana.The state remains committed to building transparent international partnerships that create long-term economic value and reinforce Telangana’s position as a trusted global supplier of quality rice, he added.