Manipur Wins Global Excellence Award for GI Rice Innovation at BIRC 2026
Imphal, October 25, 2026: Manipur has received the Global Excellence Award in the GI Rice Category at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 in New Delhi for its indigenous product presentation and innovation in value-added rice products.
The three-day conference was held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, with Manipur showcasing its GI-tagged Chak-Hao (black scented rice), Angouba (white scented rice) and innovative rice-based products.
The Department of Agriculture, Manipur, led by Director Peter Salam, along with MOVCDNER Nodal Officer Kh. Nimaichand Singh, departmental officials, entrepreneurs and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), represented the state at the event.
The state’s exhibition featured products such as Instant Chak-Hao Kheer, Chak-Hao Cookies, Chak-Hao Gulla and Chak-Hao Bhujia. A live culinary demonstration of Korean-style kimbaps and Japanese sushi rolls prepared using Chak-Hao and Angouba was also held. Visitors were offered free samples of Chak-Hao Kheer, which received an encouraging response.
The initiative aims to promote Manipur’s indigenous rice varieties, explore new markets in Delhi and other urban centres, and strengthen market opportunities for farmers, FPOs and local entrepreneurs.
