India has exported its first-ever international consignment of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) to Costa Rica, facilitated by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Key Highlights

• Quantity exported- 12 metric tonnes (MT)
• Origin- Chhattisgarh, a major rice-producing state

Significance:

• First global export of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh
• Strengthens India’s position as a global supplier of fortified, value-added nutritional staples
• Supports national goal of Kuposhan Mukt Bharat (Malnutrition-Free India) under Poshan Abhiyan

Why This Matters

• Helps Chhattisgarh’s farmers, millers, processors, and exporters gain international visibility
• Positions India as a leader in food fortification & nutrition-led agriculture exports

About Export: Chhattisgarh’s Role

• The 12 MT consignment marks Chhattisgarh’s entry into global markets for fortified rice.
• State has undertaken targeted steps:
  • Capacity-building for millers
  • Infrastructure for FRK blending & extrusion
  • Partnerships with exporters and APEDA
• Chhattisgarh emerging as hub for rice, fortified rice & value-added agri-exports

Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)

What is FRK?

Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) is nutritionally enhanced artificial rice grains made by mixing:

• Rice flour
• Iron
• Folic acid
• Vitamin B12

They are extruded to resemble natural rice grains.

Features & Benefits

• Micronutrient-rich: Tackles anaemia, folate deficiency & hidden hunger
• Extrusion Technology: Advanced method ensuring stable nutrient retention
• Blending Ratio: FRK is mixed with regular rice in a 1:100 proportion
• Uniformity: Ensures consistent nutritional value across all rice batches
• Meets global food safety & quality standards– hence approved for export

Why Important for India?

• India faces high prevalence of:
  • Anaemia
  • Iron deficiency
  • Micronutrient malnutrition among women & children
• FRK-based rice in govt schemes is an essential strategy under nutrition security

About APEDA

Establishment

• Formed under- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985
• Operational since- 13 February 1986
• Replaced- Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC)

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India

Mandate & Functions

• Promote export of scheduled agricultural & processed foods
• Support exporters with:
  • Financial assistance
  • Quality certification
  • Market development
  • International linkages
• Ensures compliance with:
  • Food safety standards
  • Global quality norms
• Conducts training & export promotion programs, including India’s participation in global food expos
• Promotes value addition, organic products, GI-based exports, and food fortification

Key APEDA Export Categories

• Rice
• Fruits & vegetables
• Meat & poultry
• Dairy products
• Organic products
• Processed foods (juices, ready-to-eat foods, etc.)

Fortified Rice Mission (FRM)

Launch

• Announced in the Union Budget 2021–22
• Rolled out by:
  • Department of Food & Public Distribution
  • Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

Objective

To provide fortified rice through all government food programmes by 2026, including:

• Public Distribution System (PDS)
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
• PM-POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

Why FRM?

Addresses hidden hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies including:

• Iron
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin B12

This export aligns with India’s ambition to become a global leader in nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Costa Rica

• Region- Central America
• Capital- San José
• Known for- Eco-tourism, biodiversity, renewable energy
• One of the world’s most environment-friendly nations
• Major imports- food grains & processed foods

India’s Rice Export Status

• India is the world’s largest rice exporter
• Major export markets:
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Benin
  • Nepal
  • Bangladesh
  • USA (for Basmati)

Poshan Abhiyaan

• Launched- 2018
• Goal- Reduce stunting, anaemia, undernutrition
• Tools:
  • Growth monitoring
  • Behaviour change
  • Food fortification
  • Convergence across ministries

What is Hidden Hunger?

• Deficiency of essential micronutrients
• Even when calorie intake is adequate
• Leads to:
  • Anaemia
  • Lower immunity
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Maternal health risks