The first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to USA from India which can be considered as a major boost to the nation’s rice exports potential. Referred to as ‘Bao dhaan’ this variety of rice is grown in Assam without the use of any chemical fertilizer.
The flagging off ceremony of the consignment was carried out by APEDA Chairman Dr M.Angamuthu at Sonepat, Haryana. As the exports of ‘red rice’ grow, it would bring enhance incomes of farming families of the Brahmaputra flood plains.
APEDA has being carrying out several promotional activities for rice exports through collaborations with various stakeholders in the value chains. Under the ageis of the APEDA, the government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF).
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.
As per reports the shipment of of non-Basmati rice witnessed an impressive spike during the period of April-January of 2020-21. . The non-basmati rice exports was Rs 26,058 crore (3506 US$ Million) duringApril-January, 2021 against Rs 11,543 crore (1627US$ Million) reported during April-January, 2020 period.
The sharp spike in rice exports especially during a phase where globally the COVID19 pandemichas disrupted supply changes many commodities, has been attributed to the government takingprompt measures to ensure exports of rice while taking all the COVID19 related safetyprecautions. “We took several measures in terms of ensuring safety and hygiene because of theoperational and health challenges posed by COVID19, while ensuring that rice exports continueuninterrupted,” M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA has said.
