India rice industry targets value addition and technology at BIRC 2026

At the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, industry leaders and government officials emphasized India's transition from high-volume rice production to a focus on value addition, quality, and technological integration. Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan noted that while India has achieved production abundance, the next priority is strengthening the value chain through traceability, sustainability, and branding to support the goal of becoming a global food basket.

Industry experts highlighted several key developments:

• Yield Projections: Basmati rice yields are expected to increase by 5% to 10% this year due to favorable monsoon conditions.

• Technological Adoption: Experts advocated for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in milling to automate operations and improve efficiency, alongside advanced drying and parboiling technologies.

• Global Trade and Security: India currently accounts for approximately 40% of the global rice trade. Leaders positioned the country as a reliable hub for global food security, despite logistical challenges caused by geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and the Middle East.

• Quality Compliance: Discussions focused on reducing export rejections by improving pesticide residue management, moisture control, and farm-level monitoring to meet strict international food safety regulations.