ORP-5 Conference 2026: The Complete Guide to the 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems
Everything you need to know about ORP-5 — the 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems happening 21-25 September 2026 in New Delhi, India. Key themes, speakers, registration, and abstract submission details.
What Is ORP-5 and Why Does It Matter?
The 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems (ORP-5) is the world's leading scientific forum dedicated exclusively to organic and natural rice farming. Scheduled for 21-25 September 2026 at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, India, ORP-5 brings together scientists, farmers, policymakers, industry leaders, and students from across the globe to advance sustainable rice production.
Rice feeds more than half the world's population. As the staple food for over 3.5 billion people, how we grow rice has enormous consequences for food security, climate change, and human health. ORP-5 exists to accelerate the transition from conventional, chemical-intensive rice farming to systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and nutritionally superior.
A Legacy of Global Collaboration
ORP-5 is the fifth in a series of international symposia that began in 2012. Previous conferences have been held in:
- France (2012) — The inaugural conference that established the global research agenda for organic rice.
- Italy (2015) — Expanded the dialogue to include European agroecology perspectives.
- Brazil (2018) — Brought Latin American tropical rice systems into the conversation.
- Japan (2023) — Focused on precision organic farming and Asian rice heritage.
Each conference has built upon the previous one, creating a growing international knowledge network. ORP-5 in New Delhi represents the most ambitious edition yet, with support from the Government of India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and collaboration between three major institutions.
Who Is Organizing ORP-5?
ORP-5 is jointly organized by three prestigious institutions:
- All India Agricultural Students Association (AIASA) — A national-level professional organization committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and the advancement of agriculture through education, research, and innovation.
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (UAS Raichur) — A premier state agricultural university in Karnataka, India, dedicated to education, research, and extension in agriculture and allied sciences.
- IPB University, Indonesia — One of Asia's leading agricultural and life sciences institutions, renowned for excellence in education, research, innovation, and policy leadership in food, agriculture, environment, and sustainability.
The conference also has support from ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), SafeRock Limited (UK), and Horizon e-Publishing Group.
Major Conference Themes at ORP-5
ORP-5 covers nine major themes that span the entire organic rice value chain. Each theme includes multiple sub-themes:
- Theme I: Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems — Current Status
- Theme II: Innovations and Emerging Technologies in Organic Rice Production Systems
- Theme III: Natural Rice Models for Sustainable Rice Production
- Theme IV: Climate Change Adaptation and Carbon-Neutral Rice Production Systems
- Theme V: Soil, Water and Plant Health Management
- Theme VI: Food Quality, Nutrition and Human Health
- Theme VII: AI-Driven Mechanisation and Digital Intelligence for Organic Rice Production Systems
- Theme VIII: Scaling, Value Chains, and Market Opportunities
- Theme IX: Policy, Institutions, and Capacity Building — Youth & Farmers Perspectives
For a detailed breakdown of each theme and its sub-themes, read our complete guide to ORP-5 themes.
Key Dates to Remember
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 20 January 2026 | Call for Abstracts opens / Registration opens |
| 31 July 2026 | Abstract submission deadline |
| 05 August 2026 | Notification of abstract status |
| 01 August 2026 | Registration deadline |
| 21 September 2026 | Inauguration, plenary sessions, oral & poster presentations |
| 22-23 September 2026 | Technical sessions, oral/poster/video presentations |
| 24 September 2026 | Field visits to IIFSR and farmers' fields |
| 25 September 2026 | Open for field visits |
Prizes, Awards, and Recognition
ORP-5 will confer the AIASA National Awards 2026 during the conference, recognizing outstanding contributions across agriculture. Categories include:
- AIASA National Award for Outstanding Leadership in Agriculture
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Best Vice-Chancellor Award
- Dr M.S. Swaminathan Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research
- Harit Ratna Awards, Krishi Jeevan Jyoti Award, Harit Kranti Award
- Student of the Year Award, AIASA Gold Medal, Best Teacher Award
- Young Scientist Award
Best oral and poster/video presentations in each theme will also receive prizes.
Who Should Attend ORP-5?
ORP-5 is open to a wide range of stakeholders:
- Scientists and researchers working in agriculture, organic production systems, climate change, soil health, and related disciplines
- Academicians and faculty from agricultural universities and research institutions
- Students and young professionals (UG, PG, PhD, and post-doctoral researchers)
- Farmers and Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs) involved in organic and natural rice production
- Extension and development professionals
- Policymakers, government officials, and planners involved in agriculture, environment, and food systems
- Industry representatives and agri-entrepreneurs, including bio-input companies, start-ups, and value-chain actors
- Certification bodies working on sustainability and food systems
- International organizations and development agencies engaged in sustainable agriculture and food security
How to Register for ORP-5
Registration can be completed online at www.orp5ic.com/registration. The conference offers both physical and virtual participation. For a complete breakdown of fees by category, read our detailed registration guide.
Why ORP-5 Matters for the Future of Food
ORP-5 is not just an academic conference. It is a platform for action. The conference aims to:
- Assess the practical knowledge and functioning of current organic and natural rice production systems
- Identify suitable nutrients, pest, and disease management strategies
- Share innovations and identify bottlenecks hindering advancement
- Analyse impacts on food quality, human health, and the environment
- Strengthen the international innovation and knowledge network on sustainable rice production
- Explore challenges of scaling up organic and natural rice production
The conference contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food security, health, climate action, and environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is ORP-5 being held?
ORP-5 will take place from 21-25 September 2026 at the A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, NASC Complex, New Delhi, India.
Can I attend ORP-5 online?
Yes. ORP-5 offers both physical and virtual participation. Virtual participants can register under the online category and attend sessions via video conferencing.
What is the abstract submission deadline?
The deadline for abstract submission is 31 July 2026. Abstracts should not exceed 500 words and must be uploaded at the link on www.orp5ic.com.
Is there a late registration fee?
Yes. A late fee of Rs. 1,000 (or 20 USD) per person applies after the registration deadline of 1 August 2026.
What journals will publish ORP-5 papers?
Selected full-length papers will be published in the Special Issue of Plant Science Today (Article Processing Charges: Rs. 16,000).