Kolkata, 25th July 2025: In a decisive move to strengthen Bengal’s agricultural framework, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized the Bengal Rice Conclave a high-level gathering aimed at addressing the future of rice cultivation in the state. Themed “Enhancing Production, Crop Protection & Smart Irrigation Practices,” the conclave witnessed active participation from top policymakers, agronomists, industry leaders, and key stakeholders.
🚜 Keynote by Hon’ble Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay
Delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, spotlighted the state’s bold strides in agricultural reform.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, we’ve ensured that Bengal remains at the forefront of innovation and farmer-centric policies,” he said.
He outlined landmark efforts such as:
- 30%–80% subsidies to support small and marginal farmers in mechanization
- 2,500 Custom Hiring Centres operational across the state
- Introduction of ‘Nona Swarno’, a salt-tolerant rice variety catering to the coastal flood-prone belts, mitigating climate change impact.
Stabilising Rice Prices & Expanding Exports
Touching on rising market prices, Mr. Chattopadhyay assured that joint initiatives by the Departments of Agriculture, Food Processing, and Food Supplies are actively tackling market distortions.
He also revealed ongoing Centre-State talks to export GI-tagged Gobindobhog rice, Bengal’s fragrant, premium variety, globally.
From Policy to Procurement – Actionable Insights
Mr. Abhijit Maitra, Special Secretary, Department of Food Supplies, highlighted Bengal’s direct paddy procurement strategy bypassing the FCI, ensuring better farmer returns.
Key stats shared:
- Paddy MSP rise: ₹1,470 (2016–17) ➝ ₹2,369 (2025–26 KMS)
- Benefiting farmers: 16.43 lakh (2024–25)
- Record procurement: 56.33 lakh metric tonnes, the highest in 5 years
Industry Voices Call for Sustainable Transformation
Mr. Jay Kumar Maroti, General Secretary, Bengal Rice Mill Association, called for phased implementation of fire safety and pollution control measures:
“Millers are committed to clean energy and sustainability — from solar adoption to husk boilers. However, critical safety systems are scarce; support and timelines are essential.”
Mr. Manoj K Fogla, General Secretary, West Bengal Rice Mills Owner’s Association, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for:
- Data-driven agricultural models
- Adoption of drones and precision farming
- Seamless access to advanced compliance systems
🌱 ICC Emphasizes Collaborative Action
Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC, called the conclave a “call to action” across the entire rice value chain from production to storage, marketing to exports.
🤝 Industry and Financial Sector Participation
Also present were:
- Mr. Shivesh Kumar Jha, CGM, IDBI Bank
- Mr. Madhab Adhikari, SVP, Coromandel International Ltd.
- Mr. Sanjay Sinha, GM, Sona Machinery Ltd.
Together, the experts discussed financing support, agri-tech innovations, and enhanced processing infrastructure.
🌾 A Unified Vision for Bengal’s Rice Economy
The Bengal Rice Conclave 2025 was more than just an event—it was a powerful platform to shape a resilient, tech-enabled, and inclusive agricultural future for West Bengal. Through strategic discussions, bold policy commitments, and industry partnerships, the stage is now set for Bengal to lead India’s rice revolution with sustainability at its core.
#BengalRiceConclave #SustainableFarming #AgriInnovation #GobindobhogGlobal #SmartAgriculture
