Bharat International Rice Conference 2025 to position India’s leadership in global rice supply chain

BIRC 2025 to Unlock Rs 1.80 lakh crore in new rice markets; Rs 25,000 crore export MoUs expected

The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has announced that the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on October 30 – 31, 2025.

Conceived as a global platform aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the conference will bring together producers, exporters, importers, policymakers, financiers, logisticians, research institutions, and allied service providers to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and resilience in the global rice trade. Sustainability, innovation, and transparent, rules-based commerce will be at the core of the deliberations.

While addressing the curtain raiser of the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 in New Delhi, Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev informed that the Foreign Ministers of the Philippines, Ghana, Namibia, and The Gambia will participate in the two-day event.

Organised by the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), a national-level body representing over 7,500 exporters and allied stakeholders across India, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)—a Statutory Authority under the APEDA Act, 1985, mandated with promoting exports of nearly 800 agri products, including rice—the conference has received support from several line Ministries, Departments, and State Governments. Supporting institutions include the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Cooperation, and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The State Governments of Odisha, Telangana, Meghalaya, Assam, and Manipur are also supporting the event, along with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and cooperative institutions such as National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), Bhartiya Beej Sahakarita Samiti Ltd. (BBSSL), and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Agri Limited (Kribhco).

Over 3,000 farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), over 1,000 foreign buyers from more than 80 countries, and 2,500 exporters, millers, and allied industries are likely to participate in the event.

BIRC 2025 will act as a launchpad for a Vision & Roadmap document that will outline rice sector‑specific details of the action plan, aligned with the Ministry’s long‑term policies and vision. Stakeholder consultations will be conducted during the event through panel discussions involving domain experts, policymakers, industry leaders, trade associations, and research institutions, ensuring that the Vision & Action Plan for the Rice Sector incorporates insights from the entire ecosystem.

The final Vision & Roadmap document will be developed over the next six months, drawing upon the outcomes of the technical sessions, stakeholder consultations, and expert deliberations held during the conference. The process will be coordinated by the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with APEDA, IREF, and partner Ministries, together with leading research institutions such as ICAR and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), as well as key cooperative societies and participating State Governments.

Eight technical sessions shall be conducted over two days will set the foundation for the Vision & Roadmap document. The sessions will be chaired by Senior officers and eminent experts in the field.

The conference will address innovations in agronomy, irrigation, certification, and traceability to promote sustainability and reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.

BIRC 2025 will include a broad spectrum of thematic activities and sessions. A coffee table book encapsulating India’s rich rice heritage—covering both Basmati and non-Basmati varieties, historical GI stories, farmer narratives, and innovations—will be unveiled at the event.

BIRC 2025 aims to unlock Rs 1.80 lakh crore in new rice import markets and sign Rs 25,000 crore worth of export MoUs. A Culinary Experience Zone, curated by IREF and APEDA with IRRI and ITC Hotels, will showcase Indian rice in international cuisines through chef demonstrations and tasting counters. Sensory panels and buyer clinics will assess quality and preferences, while instant export onboarding facilities will help convert interest into trade MoUs on the spot.

This programme aims to demonstrate that Indian rice varieties are authentic, high‑performance substitutes in target cuisines unlocking Rs 1.80 lakh crore in new markets and catalysing Rs 25,000 crore in export MoUs at the event.