Delhi Conference to Explore New Markets and Price Outlook for Indian Rice

Trade and business representatives from over 150 countries are scheduled to attend the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) in Delhi, beginning Friday, October 23, 2026. According to the report by The Hindu, the three-day event is organised by the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) to connect exporters, importers, millers, policymakers, and food businesses.

Conference Objectives and Structure

The conference aims to help stakeholders explore new markets, assess the 2027 price outlook, and identify ways to increase earnings from rice. The programme includes:

• 65 speakers participating across nine knowledge sessions
• 2,038 scheduled business meetings linking India's rice industry with global markets

Dev Garg, national vice-president of IREF, stated that the focus is on creating more value rather than merely selling higher volumes.

Key Topics and Discussions

The nine scheduled sessions will address several critical areas for the agricultural trade sector:

• Crop surveys and price forecasting
• Exploration of new export markets
• Documentation, insurance, and credit processes
• Bulk and container shipping logistics
• Quality standards and certification
• Government policy and incentives
• Agricultural sustainability practices
• Profitable rice milling techniques
• Development of value-added products

Context and Industry Concerns

The report noted that following conflict involving Iran—a major buyer of Indian rice—and ongoing instability in West Asia, IREF has urged the Union government to assist exporters in finding alternative markets and resolving issues related to cargo stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.

Practical Implications and Verification

Industry participants can utilise the scheduled BIRC business sessions to evaluate international trade opportunities and risk management strategies. Readers and stakeholders can verify the official event details and updates by consulting direct announcements from the Indian Rice Exporters Federation.