Delhi to Host Bharat International Rice Conference 2025; Over 80 Nations to Participate

 

Event to spotlight India’s leadership in the global rice sector and honour innovative farmers from across the country

 October 30, 2025 | New Delhi

India is set to showcase its growing leadership in the global rice trade as Delhi hosts the two-day Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, beginning October 30 at Bharat Mandapam.

Organised by the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and other Central government bodies, the conference will bring together representatives from over 80 countries, including leading global importers, exporters, policymakers, and agricultural scientists, according to a statement from the organisers.

Highlighting India’s Global Role

As the world’s largest rice producer, India will use the platform to reinforce its position as both a trade powerhouse and a responsible steward of sustainable agriculture.

“Through BIRC 2025, we aim to build a future where Indian farmers, exporters, and innovators move forward together — creating value for the economy while protecting the planet,” said Prem Garg, Founder President of IREF. “It’s about making Indian rice not just the most traded, but the most trusted in the world,” he added.

Honouring the Cultivators of Heritage Varieties

A highlight of the conference will be the felicitation of 17 exceptional farmers from across India for their contributions to quality, innovation, and sustainability in rice cultivation. The recognition will be conferred by international buyers and industry leaders.

The selected farmers represent states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

They have been honoured for cultivating unique and regionally significant varieties such as:

• Govindobhog (West Bengal)
• Kalajeera (Koraput) and Adamchini (Odisha)
• Type-3 Dehradhuni Basmati (Uttarakhand)
• Jeeraphool and Nagri Dubraj (Chhattisgarh)
• Lokati Machi and Javaphool (Bihar)
• Neemphool and Mushqbudgi (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Chak-Hao (aromatic black rice) (Manipur)
• Joha (Assam)
• Katarni (Bihar)
• Kaipad and Palakkadan Matta (Kerala)
• Indrani (Maharashtra)

These traditional and specialty rice varieties are valued worldwide for their aroma, grain quality, and nutritional benefits, and play a crucial role in sustaining local biodiversity.

A Global Platform for Collaboration

Officials said the conference will serve as a hub for trade dialogue, research exchange, and policy discussions focused on sustainable rice production, climate-resilient farming, and export competitiveness.

Sessions will also explore opportunities for value-added rice products, branding of Indian varieties, and digital traceability systems to ensure transparency across the supply chain.

BIRC 2025 is expected to conclude with a joint declaration outlining pathways to strengthen global rice cooperation and promote climate-smart cultivation practices — reinforcing India’s position at the forefront of the world’s rice economy.