Hyderabad: Telangana’s rice exports may soon receive a major boost, with the Philippines expressing interest in expanding imports from the state. During a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, Philippines Agriculture Minister Francisco P Tiu Laurel Jr praised the quality of rice currently being exported from Telangana and showed keen interest in exploring further trade in both rice and paddy, reports The Times of India.
Speaking after the meeting, Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Philippines minister was receptive to Telangana’s proposal to include paddy exports in addition to rice. “He mentioned that the Philippines might require around 2 million metric tonnes of rice and paddy in the year 2026. His positive response to our proposal to export paddy as well is a significant development,” Reddy said.
During the discussion, Civil Supplies Commissioner DS Chauhan highlighted the export potential of Telangana’s Sona (RNR 15048) rice variety. Laurel Jr reportedly found the variety interesting and also explored the possibility of importing maize from the state.
Reddy thanked the Philippines minister for the encouraging response and reaffirmed Telangana’s commitment to strengthening agricultural trade ties with the country. He also extended an invitation for Laurel Jr to visit Telangana later this year—a proposal that the minister accepted. In return, Laurel Jr said he would soon invite Reddy to visit the Philippines.
The meeting marks a step forward in Telangana’s efforts to boost agricultural exports and forge international partnerships in the sector.
