BIRC 2026 to Showcase 200 Indian and International Rice Varieties for Global Buyers

Indian rice exporters are preparing to expand the country’s presence in global markets with a new Global Rice Archive, which will bring nearly 200 commercially significant rice varieties from India and other parts of the world together at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026. The archive will be unveiled at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 23 to 25 as part of the three-day conference. According to the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), the initiative will give overseas buyers an opportunity to examine different rice varieties and compare them on parameters such as grain size and characteristics, appearance, processing methods and geographical origin before connecting with exporters and producers.

Themed “200 Varieties. One Cultural Landscape,” the Global Rice Archive will form one of nine Experience Zones planned for BIRC 2026. The display aims to present rice not merely as an agricultural and export commodity but also as a product closely linked to regional geography, biodiversity, food traditions and farming practices. The collection will include well-known international varieties such as Arborio from Italy, Jasmine and Glutinous RD6 from Thailand, and Japanese sushi rice. These will be displayed alongside India's Basmati varieties, traditional aromatic grains, black and red rice and several regional specialities.

Focus on Expanding India's Rice Export Basket: IREF believes the archive could help Indian exporters introduce a wider range of rice products to international buyers. Buyers who traditionally purchase only a few Indian varieties may get an opportunity to discover speciality, aromatic and non-Basmati grains that could match consumer preferences in their respective markets.

Dev Garg, speaking for IREF, said rice purchasing decisions are influenced by several factors beyond price, including grain characteristics, cooking performance, cuisine and consumer preferences. He said the archive would allow international buyers to view and compare a broad selection of commercially relevant varieties at a single location before connecting with potential suppliers. India's commercial offerings at the archive will include 1121, 1718, 1509 and 1401 Basmati, along with Pusa Basmati, Sugandha, Sharbati, PR-11, PR-14, Parmal and Sona Masoori. The varieties will also be presented in different processing forms, including raw, steam, sella and golden-sella rice.

Regional Rice Varieties to Get the Spotlight: The exhibition will also highlight India's diverse rice heritage by featuring varieties associated with different states and regions. Among them will be Navara and Rakthashali from Kerala; Seeraga Samba, Mappillai Samba and Karuppu Kavuni from Tamil Nadu; Dubraj from Chhattisgarh; Tulaipanji from West Bengal; Chakhao Black Rice from Manipur; Joha from Assam; Kalanamak from Uttar Pradesh; Chinnor from Madhya Pradesh; Ambemohar from Maharashtra; and Mushbudji from Kashmir.

The organisers say the initiative is intended to encourage product discovery while also drawing attention to India's extensive rice biodiversity. Each selected variety will be displayed separately using miniature jute sacks and traditional weighing scales known as tarazus. The presentation is designed to combine the commercial purpose of the exhibition with an emphasis on India's agricultural heritage.

Linking Buyers With Exporters: The Global Rice Archive will be integrated with BIRC 2026's business-to-business programme. This will allow overseas participants to move from identifying a particular rice variety to meeting potential Indian suppliers and exploring commercial opportunities during the conference itself. The nine Experience Zones are scheduled to be formally launched on the opening day of BIRC 2026, along with the Rice Sector Vision 2047 initiative.

Beyond the exhibition, the conference will feature knowledge sessions, technology and innovation showcases, buyer-seller meetings and a dedicated Rice Festival, bringing together stakeholders from across the rice value chain. The Global Rice Archive is therefore expected to serve as both a showcase of rice diversity and a platform for connecting international demand with India's broader range of rice products.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.