New Delhi [India], November 13 (HBTV): The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the first export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kuposhan Mukt Bharat (Malnutrition-Free India) programme, implemented under the Poshan Abhiyan, through which the Food Corporation of India (FCI) distributes fortified rice across the country.
The export of FRK marks a significant step in linking India’s domestic nutrition mission with global outreach. Chhattisgarh has been making consistent efforts to promote the export of rice and fortified rice products, helping farmers, millers, and exporters gain international recognition. The successful shipment to Costa Rica highlights the state’s growing contribution to the global supply chain for nutrition-enriched food products.
On the occasion, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev congratulated the exporters and stakeholders, noting that the export of fortified rice strengthens India’s agri-export portfolio while reaffirming its commitment to addressing malnutrition through science-based, globally recognised food solutions. He assured continued support from APEDA to help exporters expand markets for fortified and value-added food products.
Mukesh Jain, President of the Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREA-CG), thanked APEDA for its assistance and said that exports of FRK to new destinations are being planned. He also sought APEDA’s continued cooperation in boosting agricultural exports from the state.
Fortified Rice Kernel is produced by blending rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These are extruded and shaped to resemble rice grains, which are then mixed with regular rice in a fixed ratio to enhance nutritional value.
The successful flag-off of this first consignment from Chhattisgarh marks a milestone in India’s agricultural export sector, reflecting collaboration between APEDA, the Government of Chhattisgarh, and private stakeholders to position India as a reliable supplier of nutritious, high-quality food products to global markets.
(ANI)