India Shipping News

NAVA RAIPUR: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s agricultural export infrastructure, APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, inaugurated the new office of the Rice Exporters Association, Chhattisgarh (CG) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Bhawan, Nava Raipur, on June 12, 2026.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of senior officials from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), representatives of the Government of Chhattisgarh, industry stakeholders, and leading rice exporters from across the state and Central India.

The establishment of the new office is expected to provide a dedicated platform for exporters, facilitating closer coordination among industry participants, government agencies, and trade bodies. The facility will play an important role in addressing exporters’ concerns, disseminating market intelligence, promoting quality standards, and supporting businesses in exploring new international markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Abhishek Dev highlighted the growing importance of Chhattisgarh in India’s rice export landscape and emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between producers, millers, exporters, and policymakers to further increase the state’s contribution to global rice trade. He also reiterated APEDA’s commitment to strengthening export-oriented value chains, improving market access, and supporting exporters through various promotional and capacity-building initiatives.

Chhattisgarh, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of India,” possesses significant potential for expanding rice exports owing to its extensive paddy cultivation, improving processing infrastructure, and increasing focus on quality production. The new association office is expected to serve as a focal point for driving export growth, encouraging adoption of international standards, and facilitating greater engagement with overseas buyers.

Industry representatives welcomed the initiative, noting that the office would help streamline communication with regulatory authorities, improve awareness of export opportunities, and support the development of a more robust export ecosystem in the region.

The inauguration aligns with the Government of India’s broader objective of enhancing agricultural exports, increasing farmers’ income, and strengthening India’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality food products in global markets.

With growing international demand for Indian rice and continued support from APEDA and state authorities, the new office is expected to contribute significantly to expanding rice exports from Chhattisgarh and the wider Central Indian region in the years ahead.

Published Date: June 15, 2026