The first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the United States of America (USA) on March 4. It is a major boost to the country’s rice export potential.
Key Points
- This Iron-rich ‘red rice’ is grown in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam and no chemical fertilizer is used for its cultivation.
- This variety of rice is known as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of Assamese food.
- The red rice is being sourced by leading rice exporter – LT Foods.
- The first consignment of red rice was flagged off by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Dr. M.Angamuthu at Sonepat, Haryana.
- APEDA operates under the Department of Commerce of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- As per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the increase in the exports of ‘red rice’, the incomes of farming families of the Brahmaputra flood plains will be enhanced.
- APEDA has been involved in the promotion of rice exports through various collaborations with stakeholders in the value chains.
- The Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF) has been set up by the government under the aegis of the APEDA.
- REPF has representations from the officials from APEDA, the rice industry, the ministry of commerce, exporters, and directors of agriculture from major rice-producing states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
- An impressive increase was seen in the shipment of non-Basmati rice during the April to January period of 2020-21.
The non-basmati rice exports were Rs 26,058 crore (3506 US$ Million) during April-January, 2021 against Rs 11,543 crore (1627US$ Million) reported during April-January, 2020 period. The exports of non-Basmati witnessed a growth of 125 percent in Rupee terms and 115 percent Dollar terms.
