India Exports GI-Tagged Assam Joha Rice to UK and Italy for the First Time

India has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural exports by shipping its first consignment of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy, marking a major step in promoting indigenous products globally. The 25-metric-tonne consignment, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), was dispatched on March 12, 2026 in collaboration with the Assam government.

Joha rice, an aromatic variety known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain, and rich taste, received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2017 and is cultivated across more than 21,000 hectares in Assam.

The export reflects India’s broader push to expand agricultural exports from the North-East, enhance global market access for traditional crops, and improve income opportunities for farmers.

Reference:

DD News
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-exports-gi-tagged-joha-rice-from-assam-to-uk-and-italy-for-the-first-time/

News On Air
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-facilitates-export-of-25-metric-tonnes-of-assams-gi-tagged-joha-rice-to-uk-and-italy/

India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF)
https://www.ibef.org/news/apeda-facilitates-first-export-of-gi-tagged-joha-rice-from-assam-to-the-united-kingdom-and-italy

Trade.gov.in (PIB Source Document)
https://content.trade.gov.in/TCP-CMS/18795553511366812/3080000217/India%20Exports%20First%20Consignment%20of%20GITagged%20Joha%20Rice%20from%20Assam%20to%20the%20UK%20and%20Italy.pdf