India has shipped its first bulk export of fortified rice to the Caribbean, sending 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from the state of Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica. The move, announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, shows how India’s food‑fortification technology can help fight malnutrition abroad while boosting the country’s trade profile.
The export was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). It marks a new chapter for Indian farmers, millers and exporters who now have a ready‑made, high‑value product to offer overseas markets.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal posted an update on X, saying the shipment is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission to curb malnutrition. “Exporting 12 MT of FRK to Costa Rica strengthens our foreign trade and supports our nutrition agenda,” he said. “It gives local farmers and exporters a larger market, better revenue and a chance to promote value‑added agri exports.”
Chhattisgarh has long worked to elevate its rice exports, and this first sale to Costa Rica demonstrates the state’s growing influence on the global supply chain for nutrient‑rich foods. The Ministry added that India is now a trusted source of high‑quality, nutritionally enhanced rice worldwide.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev welcomed the milestone, emphasizing that the FRK launch reinforces India’s commitment to addressing malnutrition through science‑based, globally recognised solutions. “Our export portfolio gets stronger with every successful shipment,” he told exporters and stakeholders.
What is Fortified Rice Kernel? FRK blends rice flour with essential micronutrients—iron, folic acid, vitamin B12—etched into small grains that look like regular rice. The fortified grains are then mixed with ordinary rice at a set ratio, boosting the staple’s nutritional value without changing its taste or texture.
By exporting fortified rice, India showcases its leadership in food fortification and its dedication to improving nutrition for people around the world. With this first consignment to Costa Rica, the country is set to expand its reach and set new standards for value‑added agri products.
Source: ianslive
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