The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 marked its successful beginning on 30th October at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a landmark moment for India’s agricultural and export landscape. Dr. Prem Garg, the National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) and chairman of Shri Lal Mahal Group inaugurated the event and highlighted India’s vision for the rice sector.
BIRC 2025 organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, through APEDA along with several government and industry bodies, has drawn global attention by bringing together policy leaders, exporters, innovators, and agri-tech pioneers from across the world.
Myanmar Reaffirms Agricultural Partnership with India
Further, adding to the script of strengthened agricultural ties with India. Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Commerce, U Minn Minn, also addressed the gathering, recalling the historic and cultural ties between the two nations through rice cultivation.
“Two nations share ancient connections through rice culture and the historical exchange of crops and knowledge along traditional overland routes. This continues to inspire our partnership today,” he further added.
AI Finds its Place in Agriculture- Takes Centre Stage
The inaugural ceremony featured the live launch of India’s first AI-based rice sorting system, symbolising India’s leap toward next-generation agricultural precision. The event also witnessed the felicitation of 17 eminent Indian farmers by international importers — acknowledging their contribution to India’s growing leadership in global rice exports.
Cutting-edge machinery and processing technologies designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability in rice production were also unveiled during the ceremony.
Historic MoUs Signed Worth ₹3,000 Crore
The Day 1 of the world’s largest rice event witnessed the signing of MoUs worth over ₹3,000 crore, including a government-facilitated deal of ₹2,200 crore in Bihar for the promotion and trade of GI-tagged rice varieties such as Katarni rice. Additional agreements were signed between Indian rice exporters and both domestic and international companies.
With an aim to capture a share of the global rice trade valued at ₹1.8 lakh crore, BIRC 2025 is expected to facilitate business deals worth up to ₹25,000 crore over the two-day period. The event saw participation from over 7,800 delegates and representatives of 80 countries on its opening day.
Farmers at the Heart of India’s Rice Success Story
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Prem Garg, National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) and chairman of the Shri Lal Mahal Group underscored the central role of farmers in India’s agricultural transformation.
“Farmers are at the heart of the Bharat International Rice Conference story. Their tireless efforts have made Indian rice one of the most traded and valued commodities worldwide. As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, our collective goal is to ensure that every farmer’s contribution is rewarded with dignity and fair opportunity. With AI-driven innovation and precision processing, we are entering a new era of agricultural excellence,” further added Dr. Garg.
The conference honoured distinguished farmers from across India for their contribution to preserving indigenous and high-value rice varieties. Among those felicitated were Anand Malik (West Bengal) for Gobindobhog rice, Surendra Masti (Odisha) for Kalajeera-Koraput rice, Manjul Pratap Singh and Ajay Singh (Uttar Pradesh) for Type-3 Dehradhuni Basmati, and Zafar Ahmad Bhat (Jammu & Kashmir) for Mushkbudji rice.
Others included Khangenbam Shamusaba Singh (Manipur) for Chak Hao black rice, Mahan Chandra Borah (Assam) for Joha rice, Subodh Choudhry (Bihar) for Katarni rice, Janardanan Karoth Veetil and Indira P (Kerala) for Kaipad rice, and Banamali Pujari (Odisha) and Kochu Kumar (Kerala) for Indrani rice, among others.