APEDA and IRRI workshop showcases innovations in non-basmati rice varieties

New Delhi: In a joint effort to strengthen India’s rice export potential and promote healthier food innovations, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre organized a workshop titled “Profiling of Potential Varieties of Non-Basmati Rice and Value-Added Products of Rice” in New Delhi.

The workshop showcased the outcomes of two key research projects aimed at advancing India’s rice industry: the “Comprehensive Grain and Nutritional Quality Profiling of Non-Basmati Rice” and the “Value-Added Products from Rice and Rice-Based Food Systems” projects. 

These initiatives, supported by APEDA and conducted at IRRI’s state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition lab in Varanasi, focus on developing high-quality aromatic, nutrient-rich, low glycemic index (GI) rice varieties with geographical indication (GI) tag germplasm from various Indian states, as well as innovative, healthier rice-based products such as rice muesli, whole grain rice cookies, popped rice, rice flakes, and instant upma.

During the event, Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, praised the collaboration between APEDA and IRRI for their focused research on non-basmati rice varieties. He highlighted the health benefits of the identified rice varieties, particularly their low glycemic index and climate resilience. Agrawal emphasized that these initiatives not only have significant export potential but also contribute to public health and sustainability. He encouraged further efforts to enhance the branding and value addition of non-basmati rice varieties to maximize their marketability in global markets.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev also spoke at the workshop, underscoring the importance of innovation and research in improving the sustainability and global competitiveness of India’s rice industry. He highlighted the need for collective efforts from stakeholders to increase rice exports and develop value-added rice products. Dev noted that APEDA’s support has been instrumental in driving these projects forward, stating, “These projects not only respond to the growing demand for healthier food options but also capitalize on traditional rice varieties to create value-added products.”

The workshop also focused on the role of strategic collaboration and targeted marketing efforts in expanding both domestic and international market reach. According to industry experts, these efforts are expected to contribute to India’s premium economy and enhance the export potential of the non-basmati rice category. APEDA’s backing has enabled IRRI’s South Asia Regional Centre to pioneer advancements that could shape the future of India’s rice industry.