APEDA ISARC to advance healthier rice based food innovations

New Delhi, India (29 August 2024): An initiative led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), is at the forefront of revolutionizing rice-based agri-food systems in India by enhancing the value of non-basmati rice varieties. The varieties are positioned as key contributors to the emerging low Glycemic Index (GI) rice industry in India. This effort also focuses on expanding the production of nutrient-rich rice-based food products, unlocking substantial opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and the ISARC jointly organized a workshop on "Profiling of Potential Varieties of Non-Basmati Rice and Value-Added Products of Rice" to showcase the outcomes of two pioneering research projects, "Comprehensive Grain and Nutritional Quality Profiling of Non-Basmati Rice" focusing on identifying high-quality aromatic, nutrient-rich, low glycemic index (GI) rice varieties with geographical indication (GI) tag germplasm from various Indian states; and "Value-Added Products from Rice and Rice-Based Food Systems", a project aimed at creating innovative, healthier rice-based products like nutrient-dense rice muesli, whole grain rice cookies popped rice, rice flakes, and instant upma.

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These significant APEDA-supported projects are conducted at the state-of-art Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) laboratories at ISARC in Varanasi. During the event, IRRI presented the profiling of potential non-basmati rice varieties across India and showcased value-added products with global market potential.

Chief Guest Shri. Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industries acknowledged and appreciated the joint efforts of APEDA and IRRI for coming up with the focused research on the potential varieties of non-basmati rice. He emphasised that this joint initiative has "huge potential and the identified varieties of non-basmati rice not only possess significant export potential but also have health benefits such as low GI and are climate resilient". He further drew attention to the value addition and branding of the non-basmati rice varieties for tapping into the export potential and marketability of these varieties.

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Shri. Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, shared some insights on the importance of the rice industry in India, the need for value addition, and research to improve sustainability and global competitiveness. He also expressed the need for a collective effort to increase rice exports and benefit all stakeholders in the value chain. Further he stressed the urgent need to develop strategies for increasing rice exports and rice-based products. Finally, he appreciated ISARC's efforts, 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."

"Receiving this recognition in India is a testament to the hard work we have invested in these projects. Rice, traditionally seen as a staple with limited nutritional value, is being redefined through our research. We are identifying and developing low GI, nutrient-dense rice varieties and value-added products backed by scientific evidence. This work will be instrumental in transforming rice-based agri-food systems in India," said Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, Principal Scientist, Grain Quality and Nutrition, and IRRI-India Research Coordinator.

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Building on the success of APEDA's initiatives, the strategic collaboration with stakeholders, alongside targeted marketing efforts by the industrial stakeholders, will be key to expanding both domestic and international market reach, thereby contributing to the premium rice economy and enhancing its export potential under the non-basmati category.

APEDA's support has significantly contributed to the success of these projects, enabling ISARC to pioneer advancements that will shape and innovate the future of India's rice industry. The combined approach of developing low GI rice varieties and nutrient-dense value-added products is set to boost India's export capabilities and promote significant economic growth within the agricultural and food processing sector.

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