Strong demand from neighbours Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and steady off-take from traditional buyers in Africa has led to a surge in the country’s non-basmati rice exports, which are likely to rise to new highs this financial year. Besides, the depleted stock levels in Thailand — a major exporter — has helped India gain and consolidate its share in the global market. The average exports during January-March period over the past five years stood at around 1.84 million tonnes. Assuming this is achieved this year too, the total exports would be over 8 million tonnes. The shipments may touch the historic high or near to historic highs, if there are no more surprises from Bangladesh during this period,” said Amit Bharadwaj, CEO of Level A Commodities. Basmati exports for April-December stood at 2.9 million tonnes valued at $2.9 billion or INR 18,758 crore.