India ships fortified rice to Costa Rica in first
India has shipped its initial batch of nutrient-enhanced rice kernels to Costa Rica, marking the first time the South Asian nation has exported the fortified grain product abroad. The 12-ton shipment originated from Chhattisgarh state and represents an expansion of efforts to combat malnutrition beyond national borders while opening new opportunities for agricultural producers and processors.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the delivery advances Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign against nutritional deficiencies on a worldwide scale. The official noted that participation in this market segment helps domestic farmers and mills secure improved returns while promoting value-added agricultural goods. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority coordinated the shipment and emphasized that the transaction demonstrates technical expertise in food enhancement methods.
Manufacturers create the fortified kernels by combining rice flour with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 before shaping the mixture to resemble standard grains. Workers then mix these enriched pieces with ordinary rice at specified ratios to boost nutritional content. Authority Chairman Abhishek Dev congratulated participants for reaching this benchmark and said the achievement reinforces the country’s standing as a dependable source of quality nutrition products for international buyers.
