The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica.
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Nutrition & Policy Context
This export initiative is aligned with the “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat” (Malnutrition-Free India) programme, under the Poshan Abhiyan. In this, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) supplies fortified rice across India. The export of Fortified Rice Kernel connects India’s domestic nutrition mission with global outreach.
State Ecosystem: Chhattisgarh’s Role
Chhattisgarh has steadily promoted exports of rice and fortified rice products, helping farmers, millers, and exporters access international markets. The FRK shipment to Costa Rica reflects the state’s expanding role in the global supply chain for nutrition-enriched food products.
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Institutional Support & Industry Remarks
The export of fortified rice strengthens India’s agri-export portfolio and reinforces the country’s focus on tackling malnutrition through science-based, internationally accepted nutrition solutions.
Industry representatives indicated plans to expand FRK exports to additional markets and emphasised the need for continued institutional support to strengthen agri-exports from Chhattisgarh.
What is Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)?
Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) is made by blending rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and extruding it into rice-like grains. These kernels are mixed with regular rice in a fixed ratio to improve nutritional value.
Significance for India's Agri-Exports
The first FRK shipment from Chhattisgarh marks an important step for India’s agricultural exports. It reflects coordinated efforts across government and industry to position India as a trusted supplier of nutritious and value-added food products in global markets.
DhruvStar Industry Insights: What it Means for Agriculture Exporters
- More Export Channels: FRK shipments signal market potential in nutrition-focused markets in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Exporters should assess demand for fortified staples beyond rice (wheat flour, maize, oils, dairy blends).
- State-level Models: Chhattisgarh’s coordinated producer-miller-exporter ecosystem shows a pathway other states can replicate. Firms can partner with state agri-departments and labs for similar fortified product pipelines.
- Technology-driven Differentiation: FRK's success reflects rising interest in scientifically enhanced food products. Exporters investing in R&D-backed fortification will find stronger acceptance in regulated markets.
Sources
[1] PIB
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