Prem Garg
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Prem Garg | |
|---|---|
 Prem Garg during BIRC Summit 2025 | |
| Born | 1963 (age 62–63) Delhi |
| Occupations | industrialist and entrepreneur |
| Website | drpremgarg |
Prem Garg is an Indian industrialist and entrepreneur. He is the National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) and the Chairman of Shri Lal Mahal Group, established in 1907.
After completing his education, Garg started his career in 1985, when he entered the family business of rice export trade. He became the chairman of India's one of the largest rice exporters "Shri Lal Mahal Group" which was established in 1907. During the 1990s, under Garg's leadership, the group expanded its operations globally and reported handling 16 to 17 shiploads in a single month. This achievement was noted as an internal record and is recognized as one of the largest export volumes of that time. Garg has established rice mills in various Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, with a total production of 3,200 metric tons per day from these mills. He has travelled around the world during his career.[1][2]
Indian Rice Exporters Federation
In 2023, Garg was elected National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), a body representing more than 7,500 exporters, millers, and allied companies across India. Dr Garg established a "Dispute Resolution and Advisory (DRA) Wing" for mediation and trade guidance. In 2025. Garg is hosting the "Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC)", a high-profile event for trade and investment in the rice sector.[3][4]
Under the chairmanship of Garg, IREF also collaborated with Ministry of Co-operation.[5]
Under Garg's tenure The federation has supported adoption of water and emission-efficient cultivation practices such as Direct seeded rice (DSR) and Alternate wetting and drying (AWD), promoted by agricultural research institutions and state agencies.
Policy and Advocacy
India's rice exporters have faced recurring restrictions, including bans and minimum export price rules during 2023–24, later eased in 2024–25. Garg has consistently advocated for clear, stable export policies and accountability mechanisms in trade administration.[6]
He supported the government's move to register non-basmati rice export contracts with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), describing it as a step toward greater uniformity and transparency. In 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through APEDA, nominated Garg to the Non-Basmati Rice Development Fund Committee, which advises on export strategy and sectoral coordination.[7][8]
Recognition
Garg's role bridges business leadership and trade policy. Apart from his industry positions, his appointment to the Non-Basmati Rice Development Fund Committee has strengthened formal dialogue between exporters and government. He is recognized for promoting professionalism in India's rice trade and for sustaining the country's export momentum amid policy volatility.[9]