Padma Shri Awardees Visit IREF, Highlight Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Initiatives

By Megha Bajaj

The Indian Rice Exporters Association (IREF) continues to play a significant role in empowering rice farmers and fostering collaboration across India’s rice industry. As part of its ongoing initiatives, IREF recently organised the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC 2025) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, which is recognised as the world’s largest rice conference. The event drew industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country and abroad, providing a platform to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and explore opportunities for growth in the rice sector.

The conference underscored IREF’s commitment not only to promoting trade and industry development but also to supporting farmers, who form the backbone of India’s agriculture. Through organisations like this, IREF intends to reinforce linkages between farmers, exporters, and policymakers, ensuring that the benefits of industry growth reach those at the grassroots level.

Furthermore, in a related development, IREF President Padma Shri Uma ShankarPandey was joined by prominent personalities, including Padma Shri Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, Padma Shri Seth Pal Singh, and Padma Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan, during a visit to IREF’s headquarters in Delhi. They were welcomed and presented with IREF mementos by IREF Secretary Kanishka Manchanda and IREF Director General Vinod Kaul as a mark of honor and appreciation for their contributions to agriculture.

During the meeting, President Pandey did detailed discussions with the visiting dignitaries on significant issues concerning farmer welfare and agricultural development. In addition, he highlighted IREF’s initiatives aimed at improving farmer livelihoods, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing the overall productivity and competitiveness of the Indian rice industry. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to creating a more resilient agricultural sector that can meet domestic needs while contributing to global rice trade. Through such collaborative efforts, IREF continues to reinforce its mission of supporting India’s farmers and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem, positioning itself as a central force in the country’s rice industry.