Clarification: Government Support for Bharat International Rice Conference

The commerce ministry on Monday issued a statement clarifying its involvement in the Bharat International Rice Conference, slated for October 2025 in Bharat Mandapam. Highlighting the government's non-financial backing, the ministry stressed its routine engagement with stakeholders to boost trade.

Allegations against the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF) President Prem Garg have surfaced, but the department remains uninvolved, attributing the issues to private organizational matters. As a major agricultural export, rice contributes significantly to the economy.

No government funds are allocated to the conference, and expenses are managed by IREF and its partners. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) supports by aligning relevant sectors for rice export promotion.