India Begins Export Of Assam’s Red Rice To USA, To Boost Farmer Incomes In Brahmaputra Valley

In a major boost to India’s rice export potential, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the USA on Thursday (4 March).

Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam without using any chemical fertilizer. The rice variety is referred as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of Assamese food.

The red rice is being sourced by leading rice exporter LT Foods. The flagging off ceremony of the export consignments was carried out by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Dr M Angamuthu at Sonepat, Haryana.

As the exports of ‘red rice’ grow, it would enhance incomes of farming families of the Brahmaputra flood plains, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

APEDA is promoting rice exports through collaborations with various stakeholders in the value chains. The government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the APEDA.

During the April-January period of 2020-21, India's shipment of non-Basmati rice witnessed an impressive spike. The non-basmati rice exports was Rs 26,058 crore during April-January, 2021 against Rs 11,543 crore in previous year. The exports of non-Basmati witnessed a growth of 115 per cent in Dollar terms.

“We took several measures in terms of ensuring safety and hygiene because of the operational and health challenges posed by COVID-19, while ensuring that rice exports continue uninterrupted,” M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA has said.