Imphal, Oct 25: The Agriculture Department, Government of Manipur, will be a key participant in the first annual Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) on October 30–31 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The conference aims to strengthen India’s position in the global rice supply chain.
In a press release issued by Peter Salam, Director of Agriculture, Manipur, it was stated that Japanese, Korean, and Chinese delicacies will be prepared using Manipur’s Chakhao Black Rice and Chakhao White Rice to promote these varieties for export. The Agriculture Department will also sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with APEDA for a trial export of 20 MT of Chakhao White Rice to Japan in November–December 2025.
The Department is taking special measures to expand the cultivation of black and white Chakhao rice from Kharif 2026 onwards, particularly in areas suitable for double paddy cropping, by providing subsidized inputs and establishing hi-tech mills to reduce post-harvest losses. Coordination with APEDA will continue to ensure better remuneration for farmers from exports.
Farmers practicing double paddy cropping are encouraged to cultivate Chakhao rice varieties to take advantage of government incentives and growing international demand, ensuring higher income.
