In a significant development for Pakistan’s rice industry, the country has achieved a historic milestone by reaching $3.89 billion in rice export earnings during the financial year July 2023 to June 2024. This remarkable achievement was driven by a combination of favorable weather, the availability of essential farm inputs, and an export ban on non-Basmati rice imposed by neighboring India.

This announcement came from Shehzad Ali Malik, the founder of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), during a press conference held in Lahore. The occasion also marked the unopposed election of Malik Faisal Jahangir as the new chairman of REAP.

Jahangir’s appointment brings renewed hope for the rice export industry, as he emphasized his commitment to advancing seed research and promoting good agricultural practices. These efforts are aimed at pushing Pakistan’s rice exports even higher, with an ambitious target of $5 billion annually. The newly appointed chairman’s focus on innovation and sustainable practices is expected to contribute significantly to the continued growth of the sector.

The outgoing senior vice-chairman, Haseeb Khan, along with REAP patron Pir Syed Nazim Shah and former chairman Shahjahan Malik, were also present at the event, underlining the importance of the occasion. The REAP officials congratulated the newly elected members and expressed optimism for the future of Pakistan’s rice industry.

In addition to the chairman’s election, a 10-member managing committee was also elected unopposed, signaling strong support for the incoming leadership. The elected members include notable figures in the industry such as Chaudhry Shafique, Shahjahan Malik, Maman Mandahar, Ms. Shehnaz Zafar, Adnan Sheikh, Tayyab Bashir, Tariq Mehmood, Irfan Noor, Ishfaq Ali, and Waqar Ahmad.

The surge in rice exports reflects Pakistan’s growing competitiveness in the global rice market, particularly in the face of challenges like India’s export ban. With further improvements in research, production techniques, and global marketing strategies, the country is well-positioned to achieve even greater success in the coming years.

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