The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the export of 20 metric tons of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
This shipment marks another significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its agricultural export portfolio and strengthen the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, fortified, and value-added food products in global markets.
The state of Chhattisgarh has made continuous and concerted efforts to promote the export of rice and fortified rice, helping the state’s farmers, mill owners, and exporters gain better visibility and recognition in international trade. The successful shipment of fortified rice to Papua New Guinea highlights Chhattisgarh’s growing contribution to the global nutrition-focused food supply chain and showcases the state’s emerging role in advancing India’s agricultural export ambitions.
On this occasion, APEDA Chairman Mr. Abhishek Dev appreciated the exporters, M/s Sponge Enterprises Private Limited, Raipur, and all stakeholders involved in achieving this milestone. He stated that the successful export of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh is an example of India’s growing capability to provide premium-quality, science-based, and nutrition-rich food solutions to international customers. Mr. Dev reaffirmed APEDA’s strong commitment to facilitating exporters through quality assurance systems, capacity building, value-chain development, and strategic market relationships to further strengthen India’s position in the global agri-trade ecosystem.
Mr. Mukesh Jain, Chairman of The Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREA-CG), expressed gratitude for APEDA’s continued support and facilitation. He also appreciated APEDA’s role in promoting and advancing agricultural exports from Chhattisgarh.
Fortified rice is produced by blending rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The fortified mixture is shaped to resemble natural rice grains and then mixed with regular rice in a specified ratio to enhance its nutritional content. Exporting fortified rice from India reflects the country’s technical expertise in food fortification and its commitment to contributing to global food and nutrition security.
The successful export of this consignment from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea is another notable achievement for India’s agricultural export sector. It reflects the coordinated collaboration between APEDA, the Chhattisgarh government, and the private sector, establishing India as a reliable and responsible supplier of safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products for the world.
