Brain Booster for UPSC & State PCS Examination (Topic: Assam’s Red Rice: Bao-dhaan)

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Assam’s Red Rice: Bao-dhaan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.