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Myanmar’s deputy commerce minister Minn Minn, who led a business delegation to the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 in New Delhi that concluded Friday, has said that a stable and productive agricultural sector in Myanmar is not only essential for its own development but also for the stability and predictability of regional and global rice markets. “With abundant land and water resources, coupled with the resilience and dedication of our farmers, Myanmar possesses the capacity to meet growing international demand,” he told the gathering on October 30. The two-day BIRC 2025 was organised by Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF). Terming the event as a step to strengthen cooperation among all stakeholders across the value chain, Minn said the BIRC is not only important for commercial cooperation but also for ensuring regional food security and promoting sustainable agricultural growth. “Rice, for Myanmar, is far more than a mere commodity. It is the backbone of our economy, the cornerstone of rural development and poverty alleviation, the foundation of our culture, and the principal source of livelihood for millions of our people,” he said adding Myanmar has been a trusted and consistent contributor to the global food supply for decades. Rice surplus country Myanmar is a rice surplus country and exports to countries across Asia, Europe and Africa. He, however, outlined some challenges including limited access to modern technology and high-yielding seed varieties, inadequate investment, and the increasing impacts of climate change. “Addressing these challenges will require both national effort and strengthened international partnerships,” he said. Myanmar’s relationship with India, Minn said, is founded upon centuries of shared history, cultural affinity and mutual respect. “Our two nations share an ancient connection through rice culture. The historical exchange of crops and knowledge along traditional overland routes continues to inspire our partnership today. Let us now reinvigorate that heritage through modern economic and technological collaboration,” he said. Terming that no nation can achieve food security in isolation, he said, “Food security has become a collective responsibility in an era marked by climate change, supply chain disruptions and market volatility.” Further he added, “By combining India’s technological prowess with Myanmar’s production potential, we can build a robust and resilient mechanism for regional food security — one that ensures rice remains available, affordable and accessible to all our people. Together, we can contribute to regional stability and to the broader global objective of ending hunger and ensuring sustainable food systems.” Published on October 31, 2025
