Key facts
- India's rice stocks reached a record 68.43 million metric tons as of June 1.
India's rice stocks in government warehouses have reached a record high for early June, up 15% year-on-year. Wheat inventories also hit a five-year peak, driven by increased farmer procurement. These ample reserves will support exports and help manage domestic prices.
India's record grain stocks are crucial for global food security, ensuring continued exports of rice and providing a buffer against price volatility for both rice and wheat domestically. This abundance allows India to maintain its role as a major global supplier despite potential weather challenges.
India's government warehouses hold record rice stocks and the highest wheat inventories in five years as of early June, according to official data. Rice reserves climbed 15% from a year ago to 68.43 million metric tons, significantly exceeding the government's target. Wheat stocks reached 53.41 million tons, also well above targets and at their highest level since 2021.
These substantial reserves are expected to enable India, the world's largest rice exporter, to continue shipments despite concerns over potential rainfall shortages due to an El Nino weather pattern. The improved wheat inventories provide the government with the flexibility to release stocks into the open market, helping to control any potential price increases later in the year.
Both rice and wheat production in India reached record highs in the 2025/26 crop year, attributed to favorable monsoon rainfall that encouraged farmers to expand cultivation areas. Dealers noted that the government's significant wheat procurement, totaling 35 million tons, has put it in a comfortable position to manage market supply.
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