About Us
Empowering Bengal’s Rice Industry for India & the World.
Founded in 1944, BRMA represents the backbone of Bengal’s rice milling industry. Out of 1400 rice mills in the state, over 1200 operate under BRMA. We are the collective voice of West Bengal's rice millers, working tirelessly to support and safeguard their interests.
OurMission
To empower rice millers across West Bengal through support, advocacy, and sustainable growth initiatives. We aim to address key industry challenges, from modernization to fair pricing. By acting as a bridge between millers and the government, we promote policy reforms and better infrastructure. Our goal is to protect the rights of millers while ensuring quality and transparency in the rice supply chain.
OurVision
To build a modern, efficient, and globally competitive rice milling industry that contributes to Bengal’s economy and food security. We envision a future where every rice mill is technologically upgraded and globally connected. BRMA strives for a level playing field through policy support, export opportunities, and digitization. Our vision includes a unified, progressive rice milling ecosystem driven by innovation and inclusion.
Brief history of BRMA
The society named "Bengal rice mills association" was incorporated in 1944, with the sole objective to promote, disseminate and diffuse knowledge amongst the agriculturist of Bengal for cultivation of rice and to impart useful knowledge for improved methods in cultivation of paddy and in production of rice.
It is the apex body of 21 districts rice mills association having a membership strength of more than 1100 rice millers. Shri Prem Nath Sarda was the first president of this association, who continued to serve this iconic organization till 1990. The 80 year old legacy is witness to six presidential terms. The notable among them was the tenure of Shri Debrath Mondal which was marked by his unwavering commitment and service for the benefit of rice milling industry in Bengal. He held the esteemed office for 28 years.
Important role and functions of Bengal rice mills association:
1. It is an important link between government, industry and farming community of Bengal.
2. It facilitates procurement of more than 70 lacs metric tonne of paddy, eventually supporting the public distribution of the state, which provides food security to 10 cr people of Bengal.
Important facts and events related to Bengal rice milling industry and Bengal rice mills association:
• The rice milling industry was initially concentrated in the southern part, including Kolkata (Tollygunge area) and Dinajpur.
• During partition of India in 1947, all jute mills remained in India and jute growing areas in east Pakistan (presently Bangladesh). Hence for the survival of jute industry, jute cultivation was encouraged in place of paddy.
• Both the central government and state government agreed to promote jute cultivation and the central government assured sufficient supplies of rice to the state.
• In 1943, Bengal which was Bengal province then, witnessed the worst famine due to colonial misrule which resulted in 3 million deaths. From famine in 1943, Bengal became the largest producer of paddy by the beginning of 21st century.
Paddy cultivation in Bengal used to be single crop (Kharif) which was dependent on monsoons.
It is now cropped thrice annually making West Bengal the largest area under paddy cultivation in India.
• The Bengal rice milling industry played a crucial role in the green revolution in Bengal which started from 1970.
• The green revolution was supported by conducive weather pattern, subsidised high yielding seed, fertilisers, pesticides from the government and improved irrigation infrastructure.
• The adoption of improved farm techniques and implementation of "barga operations" made a remarkable impact on the growth of farm sector.
• Year 1970 witnessed the stratification of the state into nucleus areas of rice mill plant machinery. Bengal rice mills association in collaboration with I.T.CIANG FOR initiated a technological upgradation of rice mills in late 80's. The post harvest technology and timely govt. intervention in the packaging and drying system in rice mills made a phenomenal difference in increasing the production and profitability in rice industry. Today Bengal boasts of having finest rice milling infrastructure in the world.
• The first ever convention of Bengal rice mills association was held at Newtown in October 2024 under the leadership of then, Acting President Shri Abdul Malek. It was one of the most successful events in the history of Bengal rice mills association. More 1500 delegates from all over the state attended this historic event.
The Bengal rice mills association has played a vital role in supporting the rice mill industry, providing a shield against challenges and promoting growth competitiveness and sustainability. The association has continued to support and collaborate with the government even at the cost of its interest.
Strategic Plan
At BRMA, our strategy is rooted in action. We’re not just thinking about the future, we’re building it. Each plan below is a step toward empowering plant owners, strengthening the ecosystem, and securing Bengal’s agri-economy.
Membership