Government-facilitated MoUs of Rs 2,200 crore in Bihar focused on GI varieties like Katarni rice, alongside partnerships between Indian and global rice companies.

The two-day Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 began at Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a milestone moment for India’s agriculture and export sectors. Organized under the institutional support of Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, other government and industry specific bodies the conference brought together global buyers, exporters, policymakers, and technology leaders to deliberate on the future of India’s rice trade and agricultural innovation.

The event began with an inaugural ceremony that featured the live launch of India’s first AI-based rice sorting system, followed by the felicitation of 17 Indian farmers by international importers — recognizing their contribution to India’s growing prominence in the global rice trade. The inauguration also showcased advanced machinery and processing solutions designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and quality in rice production. At least 7800 participants from India and globally participated at the day one at the event

Today deal worth over Rs 3000 Crore of MOU was signed, of which the government has facilitated alone with private companies in Bihar worth over Rs 2200 crore for GI variety of rice such as Katarni rice besides other MOUs between Indian rice companies with other Indian and foreign companies.

India aims to tap into global rice trade worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore through the event. Deals close to Rs 25,000 crore are likely to be signed. Representatives from at least 80 countries joined the meet, backed by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Prem Garg, National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), said: “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 technology like AI-driven sorting and precision processing, we are entering a new era of agricultural excellence. BIRC 2025 stands as a platform where innovation, trade, and sustainability converge to build a proud and prosperous India.”

As a mark of recognition for their invaluable contribution to India’s rich rice heritage, several distinguished farmers from across the country were felicitated at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 – Anand Malik from West Bengal, cultivator of the aromatic Govind Bhog rice; Surendra Masti from Odisha, known for Kalajeera-Koraput rice; Dr. Manjul Pratap Singh and Ajay Singh from Uttar Pradesh, cultivators of the prized Type-3 Dehradhuni Basmati; and Zafar Ahmad Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir, who preserves the legacy of the fragrant Mushkbudji variety. The list also included Khangenbam Shamusaba Singh from Manipur, cultivator of the famed Chak Hao black rice; Mahan Chandra Borah from Assam, known for Joha rice; Subodh Choudhry from Bihar, who grows the traditional Katarni rice; Janardanan Karoth Veetil and Indira P from Kerala, both renowned for Kaipad rice; and Banamali Pujari and Kochu Kumar from Odisha and Kerala, respectively, for their cultivation of the Indrani variety among others. Their dedication reflects India’s vast biodiversity and cultural connection with rice farming.

The grand event witnessed four high-powered sessions that captured the full spectrum of discussions shaping the rice sector.