Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will expand the global rice conversation beyond trade, bringing together culture, biodiversity, technology, nutrition and innovation at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 23–25

The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 is set to take the global rice industry conversation beyond trade and commerce, with nine curated experience zones designed to showcase rice through the lenses of civilisation, culture, nutrition, technology, innovation and global trade. The three-day event will be held from October 23–25, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The upcoming edition builds on the international scale achieved by BIRC 2025, which brought together farmers, exporters, buyers, processors, researchers, technology companies and other stakeholders from across the rice value chain.

According to the Post Conference Impact Assessment Report prepared by Ernst & Young (EY), BIRC 2025 was recognised as the world’s largest-ever dedicated rice conference in terms of participation and scale. The event attracted 10,854 visitors, including 1,083 international buyers from more than 90 countries, and featured 154 exhibitors representing the rice value chain. The assessment reported export commitments of approximately $3.02 billion, equivalent to around Rs 33,453 crore, covering 8.63 million tonnes of rice trade commitments. More than 3,200 business leads were also generated during the conference.

From commodity to culture and innovation

BIRC 2026 will build on this commercial platform with a more immersive format centred around nine experience zones. At the heart of the event will be Rice Archive, which will showcase 200 rice varieties as a curated art installation highlighting the diversity of rice across regions and cultures. Rice Through Time will trace the evolution of rice cultivation, consumption and trade across generations, while Beyond the Bowl will examine the expanding uses of rice beyond its role as a staple food.

The Rice Route Map will illustrate how rice has travelled across regions and contributed to the development of global trade networks. Meanwhile, The Seed Cloud will focus on seeds, biodiversity, agricultural innovation and the future of rice cultivation. Rice Mirror will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and rice, highlighting the potential role of technology in transforming the sector.

The remaining zones — Hands of Rice, How the World Eats Rice and The World Within — will explore other dimensions of the rice ecosystem, creating an interactive experience for visitors and industry participants. The conference will also showcase 50 global cuisines, further highlighting rice’s role across cultures and food traditions.

Building on a global platform

The new format reflects a broader transformation underway in the global rice industry. Rice is increasingly being viewed not only through production volumes, prices and exports, but also through food security, sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity, technology, value addition and changing consumer preferences. For India, the event provides an opportunity to showcase the breadth of its rice ecosystem, which extends from farmers and seed developers to researchers, millers, exporters, technology companies, logistics providers and international buyers.

BIRC 2025 demonstrated the scale of this ecosystem, with more than 5,000 farmers participating alongside stakeholders from agriculture, processing, trade, logistics, finance and technology. The event also highlighted 28 GI-tagged rice varieties.

Connecting business with experience

The nine experience zones at BIRC 2026 are designed to complement business meetings, exhibitions and knowledge sessions with a stronger cultural and experiential narrative. The approach reflects the idea that rice cannot be defined solely by the tonnes produced or traded globally. Behind the commodity lies a complex ecosystem involving farmers, communities, traditions, scientific research, technology, international trade and innovation.

As food security becomes increasingly strategic and global food systems face pressure from climate change and resource constraints, the future of rice will depend not only on productivity and market access but also on sustainability, innovation and resilience. With BIRC 2025 recognised by EY as the world’s largest-ever dedicated rice conference, the 2026 edition is positioned to further expand the global platform and redefine the conversation around rice — from a traded agricultural commodity to a broader story of civilisation, culture, food, technology and innovation.

Published Date: August 20, 2026