India has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural exports with the first shipment of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy.
The export marks a major step in promoting India’s indigenous and premium rice varieties in global markets.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export of a 25-metric-tonne consignment in collaboration with the Assam government’s Department of Agriculture. The shipment was dispatched on March 12 as part of efforts to strengthen international market access for products from Northeast India.
Joha rice, known for its distinctive aroma, soft texture, and rich taste, received the GI tag in 2017. The indigenous rice variety is cultivated across several districts of Assam, including Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Majuli, Sivasagar, Chirang, and Golaghat. According to official data, Joha rice is grown on more than 21,000 hectares in the state with annual production exceeding 43,000 metric tonnes.
Officials said the latest export reflects rising international demand for traditional and specialty Indian agricultural products. APEDA has previously supported smaller exports of Joha rice to Vietnam and several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the initiative highlights the government’s continued focus on expanding India’s agricultural exports, opening new global markets, and improving income opportunities for farmers. Industry experts believe the successful entry of Assam’s aromatic rice into premium European markets could further enhance the global recognition of GI-tagged products from India.