India's Farm Trade with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest buyers of Indian basmati rice, and also buys fresh produce, spices, sesame and processed foods.
Main Indian Farm Products Bought by Saudi Arabia
- Basmati RiceBasmati is a long-grain, aromatic rice that may be sold under that name only if grown in the GI region at the foot of the Himalaya. It is India's most valuable farm export, sold to more than a hundred countries.
- OnionOnion is India's most politically sensitive vegetable. India is the world's second-largest grower, and its stored rabi onion supplies the country for half the year.
- SesameSesame (til, gingelly) is a high-value oilseed. India is among the largest exporters of sesame seed, and gingelly oil is the traditional cooking oil of Tamil Nadu.
- BananaIndia is the world's largest banana producer. Tissue-culture Cavendish plantations and cold chains have made it a fast-growing banana exporter.
Ports and Logistics
Basmati and other foods move by sea from Mundra, Kandla and JNPT to Dammam and Jeddah. Saudi Arabia's food regulator sets residue and labelling standards that exporters must follow.
How Exports Work
Exporters register with APEDA (for most farm and processed foods), the Spices Board, the Coffee or Tea Boards, or IOPEPC, depending on the product. Shipments need a phytosanitary certificate from India's plant quarantine service, a certificate of origin, and any health or residue certificates required by Saudi Arabia. India's export policy for some crops, such as onion, rice and wheat, changes often, so exporters check the current DGFT notifications before signing contracts.
- APEDAExport registration and promotionAboutExplore
- Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and StoragePhytosanitary certificatesAboutExplore
- DGFTExport policy notificationsAboutExplore
Related: All export markets · All crops
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