First Export of Fortified Rice Kernel from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica

Why in News?

About the Export:
- The 12 MT consignment of FRK was shipped from Chhattisgarh, marking the state’s first international export of fortified rice products.
- It establishes Chhattisgarh as an emerging hub for fortified and value-added rice exports.
About Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK):
- FRK is made by blending rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
- These enriched granules are extruded and molded into rice-like grains, then blended with regular rice in specific proportions (commonly 1:100) to enhance nutrition.

Establishment: Created in 1986 under the APEDA Act, an act of Parliament.
Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
Mandate:
- Promotes export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products such as rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and organic items.
- Provides financial assistance, training, certification, and export facilitation to stakeholders.
- Functions as the nodal body for India’s participation in international agri-food exhibitions.

Launch: Announced during the Union Budget 2021–22 and formally rolled out by the Government of India.
Implementing Ministries: Department of Food & Public Distribution and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Objective:
- To provide fortified rice through all government food schemes by 2026, including:
  - Public Distribution System (PDS)
  - Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
  - PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
- To address hidden hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12).

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