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As such, the USDA said rice imports are likely to grow to 15 lakh tonnes in the coming MY27, posting a 7.1 percent increase year-on-year.

The report said rice prices, despite a drop in recent months, are very high in the domestic market. These high prices are anticipated to continue throughout most of MY27 as the cost of rice production is expected to increase.

“In response, the new government is expected to take a cautious approach in order to maintain national food security. It is likely to continue facilitating rice imports through both public procurement via international tenders and government-to-government purchases, as well as private sector participation, to ensure adequate market supply and price stability,” said the USDA.

Between July 1, 2025, and April 8 this year, the public and private sectors have imported 11.19 lakh tonnes of rice, according to data from the food ministry.