TNM (With ANI Inputs)

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the first export of 25 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy. The consignment was dispatched on March 12 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam, according to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Joha rice is an indigenous aromatic variety from Assam that was awarded the GI tag in 2017. It is known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain texture, and rich taste, and is increasingly recognised in premium domestic and international markets.

In Assam, Joha rice is cultivated across approximately 21,662 hectares, with an estimated production of 43,298 metric tonnes during the fiscal year 2024-25. Major producing districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang, and Golaghat, presenting strong potential for export expansion and increased farmer income.

APEDA has actively promoted the global presence of Joha rice, having earlier facilitated the export of 1 metric tonne to Vietnam and 2 metric tonnes to Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

The export consignment was flagged off by Atul Bora, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Assam, in the presence of Agriculture Production Commissioner Aruna Rajoria (IAS), State Project Director of ARIAS Society Virendra Mittal (IAS), Director of Agriculture Uday Praveen (IAS), APEDA official Saurabh Srivastava, and officials from the Plant Quarantine Department, the Department of Agriculture, and the APEDA Regional Office in Guwahati.

The shipment is being undertaken by APEDA-registered exporter M/s Safe Agritrade Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata. It was processed and packed at Pratik Agro Food Processing in Guwahati, Assam.

This initiative forms part of APEDA’s ongoing efforts to promote GI-tagged agricultural products from India, strengthen market links between producers and international buyers, expand agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region, and ensure better price realisation for farmers.

Published Date: March 19, 2026