How the Middle East war has brought MP’s basmati exports to a standstill

India exports nearly USD 6 billion worth of basmati annually, almost half of it to West Asia. A war thousands of kilometres away has brought that trade to a near-complete halt. In Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, a major hub for Basmati cultivation, the impact is visible as Mandis see a sharp decline in activity. Exporters are hesitant to ship due to the Red Sea crisis, which has led to increased freight and insurance costs, alongside the risk of shipments being stranded. Local farmers are witnessing a significant drop in prices just as they bring their harvest to market, creating an economic crisis in the region.