In a major boost to India’s rice exports potential, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off today to the USA.Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in 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 the Assamese food.

The red rice is being sourced by leading rice exporter – LT Foods.

The rice variety is referred to as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of Assamese food.

Much like brown rice and white rice, red rice also comes with many incredible health benefits.

Due to the presence of a component called anthocyanin, this rice is usually consumed either partially hulled or unhulled.

Red rice derives this eye-grabbing colour from this component and has much more nutrient value as compared to other varieties of rice.The rice having a high content of iron, protein, vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, thiamine, niacin, manganese and is high in fibre.

APEDA has promoting rice exports through collaborations with various stakeholders in the value chains. The government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the APEDA. REPF has representations from rice industry, exporters, officials from APEDA, 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 Odish