The North News
New Delhi, November 4
India has achieved a new milestone in agricultural exports with the first shipment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) sent from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica. The initiative, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat” (Malnutrition-Free India).
The export marks a significant step in linking India’s domestic nutrition mission with global outreach under the Poshan Abhiyan, through which the Food Corporation of India (FCI) distributes fortified rice nationwide.
Chhattisgarh has emerged as a key player in promoting the export of rice and fortified rice products, providing international recognition to the state’s farmers, millers, and exporters.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev congratulated stakeholders for the milestone, saying the export “reaffirms India’s commitment to addressing malnutrition through science-based, globally recognized food solutions.” He assured continued APEDA support to expand markets for fortified and value-added agricultural products.
Mukesh Jain, President of the Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh, thanked APEDA for its assistance and revealed that new export destinations for FRK are being explored.
Fortified Rice Kernel is made by blending rice flour with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, then extruding it into rice-like grains. When mixed with regular rice, it enhances nutritional value and supports food security efforts.
The successful export reflects coordinated efforts by APEDA, the Chhattisgarh government, and the private sector in positioning India as a trusted supplier of nutritious and high-quality food products in global markets.
