Export of red rice will enhance incomes of the farming community in the Brahmaputra flood plains in Assam, India’s northeastern state

In a major boost to India’s rice exports potential, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the US on Thursday.

Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of 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 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 government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the APEDA. REPF has representations from rice industry, exporters, officials from APEDA, ministry of commerce and directors of agriculture from major rice producing states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha,” said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a release.

During the April to January period of 2020-21, the shipment of non-Basmati rice witnessed an impressive spike.

According to the statement, the non-basmati rice exports was Rs 26,058 crore (3506 US$ Million) during April-January, 2021 against Rs 11,543 crore (1627US$ Million) reported during April-January, 2020 period. The exports of non-Basmati witnessed a growth of 125 % in rupee terms and 115 % dollar terms.

“We took several measures in terms of ensuring safety and hygiene because of the operational and health challenges posed by COVID19, while ensuring that rice exports continue uninterrupted,” said Chairman, APEDA M Angamuthu.