Telangana eyes rice exports to Philippines

Metro India News | New Delhi 

Telangana Irrigation and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy met Francisco P. Tu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Agriculture of the Philippines and a Cabinet member, in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss increasing rice exports and expanding trade between Telangana and the Philippines.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana had emerged as one of India’s leading paddy-producing States, with the production capacity, modern milling infrastructure and expertise to supply high-quality rice in substantial quantities.

Laurel responded positively and said the Philippines would examine the possibility of sourcing larger quantities of rice from Telangana. Both sides discussed taking the proposal forward through government agencies, recognised importers and exporters, and rice millers.

The discussions assume significance as the Philippines has a substantial requirement for imported rice and is seeking to diversify its international sources of supply. Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana could offer competitive prices, consistent quality and timely delivery, making it a potential long-term supplier.

The meeting covered rice varieties, quality standards, pricing, procurement mechanisms, logistics, certification and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. Officials and industry representatives from both sides will examine these issues and prepare a roadmap for translating the discussions into concrete trade opportunities.

Laurel also expressed interest in procuring meat products and quality seeds from Telangana. Uttam Kumar Reddy welcomed the proposal and said the State had strong capabilities in seed production, food processing and allied agricultural sectors. Product categories and regulatory requirements will be examined in consultation with relevant authorities and private-sector representatives.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said expanding agricultural exports would create opportunities for Telangana’s farmers, rice millers, seed companies, food-processing industries and other stakeholders in the rural economy.

“Our objective is to create dependable and remunerative international markets for Telangana’s farmers and agricultural industries. Telangana has the production capacity, processing infrastructure and entrepreneurial strength to become a reliable long-term supplier of rice and other agricultural products to the Philippines,” he said.

The leaders also discussed India-Philippines relations, food security, agricultural cooperation and prospects for greater direct trade. They agreed that agriculture and food trade could become an important component of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Both sides invited each other to visit their respective regions. Uttam Kumar Reddy invited Laurel to Hyderabad to participate in the Telangana Rising Summit scheduled for December 2026.

The Minister said the Telangana government would coordinate with the Centre, the Philippine Embassy, relevant agencies and private-sector representatives to take the proposals forward.