India facilitates export of 25 metric tonnes of Assam’s GI-tagged Joha Rice to UK and Italy
New Delhi, March 14: India has facilitated the export of 25 metric tonnes of Assam’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha rice to the United Kingdom and Italy, marking an important milestone in promoting indigenous agricultural products in global markets.
The export was enabled by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Assam Agriculture Department. The first consignment was dispatched on March 12, highlighting the government’s efforts to boost agricultural exports and expand international market access for India’s specialty crops.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the shipment reflects the government’s commitment to promoting unique regional products and strengthening farmers’ incomes by connecting them with global markets. The initiative also underscores India’s strategy to leverage GI-tagged products as premium export commodities.
Joha rice is an indigenous aromatic rice variety cultivated in Assam and received its GI tag in 2017. It is known for its distinctive fragrance, fine grain texture, and rich flavour, making it popular in both domestic and premium international markets.
The rice for this shipment was sourced from farmers in districts such as Goalpara and Rongjuli and flagged off from Guwahati in the presence of state officials. The export demonstrates Assam’s capability to meet international quality standards and positions Joha rice as a niche product in European markets.
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Officials said the initiative will enhance global recognition of Assam’s traditional crops while creating better income opportunities for local farmers. Earlier, smaller consignments of Joha rice had been exported to Vietnam and several West Asian countries, paving the way for larger shipments to Europe.
The development is expected to strengthen India’s agri-export portfolio and promote GI-tagged products from the Northeast on the global stage.
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