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10 November, 2025
APEDA Facilitates Export of ‘20 Metric Tons of Fortified Rice’ to Papua New Guinea
Thu 06 Nov, 2025
Context:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the export of 20 metric tons of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Key Points:
- This export highlights India's growing capability to supply nutrition-enriched food products globally and establishes Chhattisgarh as an emerging player in the international agricultural market.
- Export Quantity: 20 metric tons of fortified rice
- Exporting Company: M/s Sponge Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
- Destination: Papua New Guinea — a Pacific island nation facing severe malnutrition challenges
- This is the first fortified rice export shipment from Chhattisgarh to PNG, adding a new chapter to the state’s export portfolio.
- Objective: To showcase India’s capacity to provide nutrition-focused food solutions and position Chhattisgarh as a key contributor in the global food supply chain.
Fortified Rice
- Process: Rice flour is blended with micronutrients such as Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, etc.
- Form: The fortified mixture is molded into rice-like kernels using extrusion technology (called Fortified Rice Kernels - FRK).
- Blending Ratio: FRK is mixed with regular rice in a 1:100 ratio.
- Benefits: Effective in addressing anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and hidden hunger.
- India has made distribution of fortified rice mandatory under the PM POSHAN scheme by 2024.
- This export reflects global recognition of India’s food fortification technology.
Global Demand Context
- Countries like Papua New Guinea face widespread nutritional challenges.
- By exporting fortified rice, India is contributing not just food, but nutrition-based health solutions.
- This represents a shift in global food aid from “quantity to quality.”
- In India, fortified rice is already being distributed under PDS and ICDS, increasing domestic production capacity.
Significance for Chhattisgarh
- The shipment reflects international confidence in the quality and reliability of Indian products.
- As one of India's leading rice-producing states, Chhattisgarh is now expanding its role as a major exporter of value-added agricultural products.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
| Aspect | Details |
| Established | December 1985 (under the APEDA Act, 1985) |
| Effective From | 13 February 1986 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Objective | “Better Processing → Better Prices → Better Life” – connecting Indian farmers to global markets |
Fortified Rice Mission (FRM)
| Feature | Details |
| Launched | Union Budget 2021–22 |
| Ministry | Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) |
| Goal | Provide fortified rice through PDS, ICDS, and PM POSHAN by 2026 |
| Objective | “Better Processing → Better Prices → Better Life” – connecting Indian farmers to global markets |
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Southwestern Pacific Ocean, north of Australia |
| Capital | Port Moresby |
| Territory | Eastern part of New Guinea Island + several smaller islands |
| Languages | English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu |
| Currency | Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK) |
| Independence | 16 September 1975 (from Australia) |
| Known For | Dense rainforests, rich biodiversity, highest linguistic diversity (800+ languages) |
| Major Exports | Gold, Copper, Oil, Natural Gas, Coffee, Cocoa, Palm Oil |
| Geological Feature | Located in the Ring of Fire, prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity |