First Export of Fortified Rice Kernel from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica | 04 Nov 2025
Why in News?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has facilitated the first-ever export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica.
Key Points
- 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.
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
- 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.
Fortified Rice Mission (FRM)
- 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).