Today’s Top Rice News: India Wins BIOFACH 2026, Indonesia Leads in Rice Exports & Sustainable Agriculture

By Megha Bajaj

India to donate rice, medicines and relief material to Mozambique

According to reports, the Government of India has decided to donate rice, medicines, and essential relief materials in support of the people affected by the devastating Mozambique floods. It reflects the enduring spirit of friendship and solidarity between the two countries. Notably, the Government of India will be donating 500 metric tonnes of rice, with the consignment expected to be dispatched from India during February. Not only this, but an Indian Naval Ship will also deliver essential relief material, such as medicines, hygiene kits and shelter kits. At the same time, 86 metric tonnes of life-saving medicines have already been dispatched from India. This is the third and final tranche of the medical consignment, arriving at a critical time in Mozambique, and will increase the country’s healthcare capabilities. Apparently, the High Commission of India has requested that Indian community organisations, companies and nationals contribute generously for people affected by the floods.

India Wins ‘Country Of The Year’ At BIOFACH 2026: Showcases Organic Excellence, Heritage Rice, And Sustainable Agriculture

India has recieved as the Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026. It is the world’s largest trade fair for organic products, which is held from February 10–13 in Nuremberg, Germany. This prestigious recognition outlines India’s growing strengths in organic agriculture and sustainable farming practices on a global platform. Organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Evidently, India’s participation marks a significant return to the spotlight after 14 years. The expansive 1,074‑square‑metre India Pavilion features 67 co‑exhibitors, including exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and state government bodies from more than 20 states. Interestingly, the pavilion displays a wide range of high‑quality organic products such as rice, spices, oilseeds, pulses, herbs, essential oils, and value‑added foods. Apparently, visitors can also relish live tastings of Indian organic biryani and five GI‑tagged heritage rice varieties, reflecting the country’s rich agricultural diversity. This recognition not only enhances India’s visibility in the global organic market but also boosts international trade opportunities and partnerships, reinforcing its role as a key supplier of sustainable organic products.

Bulog proposes Mecca warehouse to stock haj rice exports

As latest updates, the state‑owned logistics agency Bulog has proposed building a warehouse in the new Hajj Village in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to better manage rice exports for Indonesian pilgrims. Notably, the proposal comes as the Indonesian government plans to do rice exports about 2,280 tonnes this year to meet the food needs of hajj participants from Indonesia. Initially, rice distribution will be handled through organisers and kitchens that prepare meals for pilgrims. However, Bulog intends to establish its own storage facility within the Haj Village to directly store and distribute rice. Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani stated that the Mecca warehouse could also be used to stock other Indonesian food commodities such as meat and fish, ensuring a variety of staples for hajj pilgrims. The exports will resume as long as Indonesia sustains its food self‑sufficiency, decreasing reliance on countries like Thailand and Vietnam. Interestingly, the initiative is seen as a matter of national pride and a business‑to‑business effort that could later be included in operational financing for the hajj programme.