From Cooperatives to Global Rice Trade: Ram Iqbal Singh Invited to BIRC 2026

In a significant move to bring together leaders from the cooperative, agricultural and rice sectors, Ram Iqbal Singh, Chairman of the International Year of Cooperatives, has been invited to participate in the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026.

Notably, the invitation was extended by Dr. Prem Garg, Former President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF). He honoured Ram Iqbal Singh with the IREF Trophy and Dupatta, recognizing his association and contribution to the cooperative sector. The invitation assumes significance as cooperatives continue to play an important role in connecting farmers with agricultural markets, boosting rural communities and supporting value chains. Moreover, Singh’s participation at BIRC 2026 is expected to bring the cooperative sector’s perspective into discussions on agriculture, farmers, food security and the global rice economy.

The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 is scheduled to be held from 23–25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It will bring together key stakeholders from the rice ecosystem, including exporters, importers, policymakers, farmers, technology providers, researchers, logistics companies, financial institutions and other industry representatives.

Why BIRC 2026 matters?

BIRC 2026 is being positioned as a major international platform for dialogue on the future of the global rice industry. Here discussions are expected to focus on rice trade, food security, sustainability, technology, innovation, farmer participation and emerging opportunities across the rice value chain. The participation of Ram Iqbal Singh adds a cooperative-sector dimension to the conference, potentially creating greater interaction between farmer organizations, cooperatives, exporters and other stakeholders.

As the global rice community prepares to gather in New Delhi, BIRC 2026 is set to provide a platform where agriculture, cooperation and international rice trade can come together.