New Delhi:The Bharat International Rice Conference 2025 concluded in the Capital on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, exporters, and agricultural experts from across India and abroad. The two-day event, organised by the International Rice Exportation Federation (IREF), drew wide participation from over 7,750 members representing exporters, processors, logistics firms and farmers’ organisations.

Delegates from all Indian states took part in the conference alongside representatives from Canada, Thailand, South Africa, and the UAE. Several government agencies, including the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, ICAR, the Government of Odisha, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, extended support to the event.

From Madhya Pradesh, Chinnor Rice from Balaghat district and Basmati Rice from Raisen district were showcased at the exhibition.

The state’s participation was coordinated under the guidance of Mrunal Meena, District Collector, Balaghat; Phoolsingh Malviya, Deputy Director of Agriculture; Thanendra Karte, CEO, FPO; and Manoj Patle, Mandi Adhyaksh.

The delegation included Monika Uikey, Agriculture Extension Officer, Balaghat; Lakshya Janewar, Agriculture Department, Balaghat; Sunil Kumar Sone, ADA; Saiyad Zuber Ahmad, Head of Export (Madhya Pradesh); and Rajendra Raghuwanshi, Agriculture Department, Raisen. They were accompanied by two farmers — Ishupal Chouhan and Bhejlal Maane — who presented the GI-tagged Chinnor Rice variety.

Chinnor Rice, an aromatic, small-grained, and organically cultivated variety, is grown exclusively in the Lalbarra block of Balaghat. The variety, which enjoys GI certification, is also recognised under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative of the Government of India.

According to Monika Uikey, the Madhya Pradesh team interacted with over 50 exporters during the conference — 30 focused on domestic trade and 20 exploring international markets — many of whom expressed interest in promoting and exporting Chinnor Rice. Several consultants and business delegates also offered to support marketing efforts for the product at both national and global platforms.

Officials said the conference has opened new avenues for collaboration with exporters and agribusinesses worldwide. The exposure is expected to help improve the reach, sales and visibility of Chinnor Rice, while also boosting farmers’ income and strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural economy.

The recognition, they added, would bring Balaghat district into sharper focus on the national agricultural map.