APEDA Fortified Rice Export

India has strengthened its global position in the agri-export sector with the successful export of APEDA-fortified rice to Papua New Guinea.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the shipment of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice, marking an important step toward promoting nutrition-focused food products globally. 

What is Fortified Rice?

Fortified rice is produced by blending rice flour with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, making it highly nutritious. The nutrients are added through an extrusion process, where rice-like kernels are created and mixed with regular rice.

This process is known as the fortified rice extrusion process in India, and it helps combat malnutrition through government schemes such as PDS, Mid-Day Meal, and ICDS.

Because of increasing demand for micronutrient-enriched rice, the export of APEDA Fortified Rice has become a crucial part of India’s global nutrition strategy.

Key Highlights of the Export Initiative

• Exporter: M/s Sponge Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Raipur

• Export Volume: 20 MT

• Destination: Papua New Guinea

• Coordinated by: APEDA under Ministry of Commerce & Industry

• Supported by: Government of Chhattisgarh and TREA-CG

This export initiative strengthens India’s presence in the rice export sector and demonstrates the rising demand for nutritious rice in foreign markets.

Why This Export Is Significant

The export of APEDA-fortified rice highlights India’s ability to supply high-quality fortified foods worldwide. It also showcases:

• How India exports fortified rice to global markets

• The growing demand for fortified rice for global markets

• India’s expanding capability in India fortified rice supply

• The international need for nutrition-focused food solutions

This shipment also reflects the success of APEDA fortified rice export strategies and India’s commitment to global food and nutrition security.

Role of APEDA in Promoting APEDA-Fortified Rice

APEDA has played a major role in making APEDA Fortified Rice a recognised export product. Through the APEDA agri export scheme, the authority provides exporters with support, training, and international trade opportunities.

APEDA contributes by ensuring:

• Compliance with APEDA guidelines

• Quality assurance for APEDA-certified fortified rice

• Assistance under APEDA support for fortified rice exporters

• Growth opportunities for fortified rice manufacturers India

These efforts make APEDA Fortified Rice a reliable global product with high nutritional value.

Regional Impact on Chhattisgarh

The export of APEDA-fortified rice positions Chhattisgarh as an important hub for fortified food production. It:

• Strengthens the state’s agro-industrial capacity

• Encourages local farmers, millers, and exporters

• Enhances the state’s global visibility

• Supports fortified rice production and exports

This initiative reflects the strong cooperation between APEDA and state-level agencies.

Why Global Markets Prefer APEDA-Fortified Rice

There is rising demand for fortified rice in international markets, especially in regions where malnutrition is widespread.

Major benefits of APEDA-fortified rice include:

• Increased iron levels

• Improved folic acid intake

• Enhanced immunity due to Vitamin B12

• Better digestion and energy retention

Because of these advantages, the benefits of APEDA-certified fortified rice are recognised globally, making India a leading supplier of nutrition-based food products.

Final Thoughts

India has strengthened its global presence in nutrition-focused food exports, with APEDA facilitating the shipment of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea. This APEDA-fortified rice is enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, produced through an extrusion process that creates highly nutritious rice kernels.

The initiative highlights India’s growing capability in supplying value-added agricultural products and supports global efforts to combat malnutrition.

Backed by the Government of Chhattisgarh and local rice exporters, this move positions the state as an emerging hub for fortified rice production and enhances India’s contribution to international food and nutrition security.