Current Affairs Brain Booster for UPSC & State PCS Examination
Topic: Assam’s Red Rice: Bao-dhaan
Why in News?
- In a major boost to India's rice exports potential, the first consignment of 'red rice' was flagged off recently to the United States of America (USA).
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been promoting rice exports through collaborations with various stakeholders in the value chains.
About Rice
- Iron-rich 'red rice' is grown in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer.
- The rice variety is referred as 'Bao-dhaan', which is an integral part of Assamese food.
- Bao-dhaan is generally grown in areas having higher land submergence that are unsuitable for other varieties of paddy.
Significance
- The export of 'red rice' would enhance the incomes of farming families of the Brahmaputra flood plains.
- Government of India aims to double farmers' income by 2022. To achieve this goal, it is very important to increase the export of such agricultural products.
- It is important to note that the northeastern states of India form a major part of the Act East policy of India. Therefore, the government of India is paying major attention in the development of these states.
- The development of agriculture sector will also remove the problem of hidden unemployment in India.
About APEDA
- APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985.
- The government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the APEDA.
- REPF has representations from the rice industry, exporters, officials from APEDA, the ministry of commerce and directors of agriculture from major rice-producing states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Export of Rice: Status
- The non-basmati rice exports were Rs 26,058 crore (3506 US$ Million) during April-January, 2021 against Rs 11,543 crore (1627US$ Million) reported during April-January, 2020 period.
- The exports of non-Basmati witnessed a growth of 125 per cent in Rupee terms and 115 per cent Dollar terms.
