Context:
• APEDA (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) has facilitated India’s first export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica.
• Integrates domestic Kuposhan Mukt Bharat / Poshan Abhiyan with global nutrition value chain — taking Indian food fortification capability abroad.
Key Highlights:
Programme Linkages / Domestic Mission
• FRK is a key component of India’s strategy to enrich PDS rice under Poshan Abhiyan.
• FCI already distributing fortified rice nationwide for nutrition outcomes.
• India positioning itself as global supplier of science-based, micronutrient-enriched staples.
FRK – Technological Insight
• FRK made by blending rice flour + iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 → extruded into rice-like kernels.
• Blended with normal rice → predetermined ratio.
• Addresses micronutrient malnutrition in staple consumption.
Chhattisgarh’s Export Push
• State improving rice + fortified rice exports → benefits farmers, millers, exporters via global branding.
• First FRK export signals international acceptance of India’s food fortification ecosystem.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• APEDA → statutory body under APEDA Act 1985 → product development + export promotion of agro/processed foods.
• Poshan Abhiyan → digital & inter-ministerial nutrition mission (MWCD led).
• Fortification → FSSAI standardises micronutrient premix dosing levels.
• Micronutrient fortification targets → Iron / FA / B12 for anaemia control.
Relevant Mains Points:
• FRK export = nutrition diplomacy + soft power → food security narrative → global south leadership.
• Fortified staples are low-hanging fruit to reduce hidden hunger at population scale.
• Export expansion can incentivise domestic fortification capacity & value-added rural processing.
Way Forward:
• Expand FRK export destinations in Latin America + Africa.
• Align APEDA certification pipelines with Codex Alimentarius standards for trade harmonisation.