India’s rice sector is drawing global attention ahead of the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, with 3,317 buyers registering from 138 countries, according to organizers. The event, scheduled for October 2026, is intended to connect international buyers with Indian rice exporters and support new export opportunities.
Multiple outlets describe strong early interest from regions including Africa and the Gulf, alongside interest from Bangladesh. Business Line reports Bangladesh leads the list among registered buyers, while Times of India highlights heightened interest from Africa and Gulf countries. The conference is also set to feature an app-based matchmaking platform designed to facilitate business-to-business collaboration. Alongside networking, organizers plan discussions focused on global rice supply and demand and how exporters can expand their international footprint.
While the sources align on registration figures, they differ in emphasis: Business Line spotlights the country ranking with Bangladesh at the top, whereas Times of India focuses more broadly on buyer geography and the conference’s matchmaking and policy discussions.