First export consignment of Assam ‘red rice’ to US flags off from India

The red rice is being sourced from a leading rice exporter – LT Foods

On March 3, 2021, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ to the US from Assam was set in motion, giving a major boost to India’s rice export potential.

The Chairman of the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) performed this flagging-off ceremony at Haryana.

The red rice is being sourced from a leading rice exporter – LT Foods. The rise in red rice exports will in turn enhance the incomes of the farmers in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam.

Promoting rice exports

APEDA has been promoting rice exports with various stakeholders through collaborations in value chains.

The Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF) was formed by the Indian Government, with the support of APEDA. REPF has representations from the rice industry, officials from APEDA, the exporters, the ministry of commerce, and directors of agriculture from the major rice-producing states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Assam and Chhattisgarh.

A rise in the shipment of non-basmati rice

The shipment of the non-basmati rice saw a massive spike in 2020-21, during the April-January period. Compared to Rs 11,543 crores reported during April-January 2020, the exports of non-basmati rice during April-January 2021 were Rs 26,058 crores. The exports of non-basmati rice in rupee terms witnessed a growth of 125%.

Ashwin Bhadri, CEO of Equinox Labs, says, “With the rise of health consciousness among people amid the pandemic, red rice has become quite popular and it is due to its several health benefits. Red rice is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, which help fend off as well as cure various diseases. The fact that there has been an increase in the export of rice at a time where the pandemic has disrupted the supply of many commodities, is just remarkable.”