The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
This shipment marks another milestone in India’s efforts to expand its agricultural exports and strengthen its reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, fortified, and value-added food products in global markets.
Chhattisgarh has actively promoted the export of rice and fortified rice, helping farmers, millers, and exporters gain visibility and recognition internationally. The successful shipment to PNG highlights the state’s growing role in the global nutrition-focused food supply chain and underscores its contribution to India’s broader agri-export ambitions.
Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, praised the exporter, M/s Sponge Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Raipur, and all stakeholders involved in the achievement. He noted that the export demonstrates India’s capability to provide premium-quality, science-based, nutrition-oriented food products to international consumers. Shri Dev reaffirmed APEDA’s commitment to supporting exporters through quality assurance, capacity building, value-chain development, and strategic market linkages to further enhance India’s position in the global agri-trade sector.
Shri Mukesh Jain, President of The Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREA-CG), expressed gratitude for APEDA’s support and facilitation. He highlighted that fortified rice exports from the state are expected to reach new international markets, reflecting global buyers’ confidence in India’s product quality and supply reliability.
Fortified rice is produced by blending rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The mixture is extruded into grains resembling natural rice, which are then mixed with regular rice to improve its nutritional content. This export underscores India’s technological expertise in food fortification and its commitment to global food and nutritional security.
The successful shipment from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea represents a notable achievement for India’s agricultural export sector, demonstrating effective collaboration between APEDA, the Chhattisgarh government, and the private sector in establishing India as a dependable supplier of safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products worldwide.
