First export of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the UK and Italy
The first consignment of 25 tonnes of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam was dispatched to the United Kingdom and Italy on 12 March 2026, facilitated by APEDA.
Summary
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy, with a 25-tonne consignment dispatched on 12 March 2026 together with Assam's Agriculture Department. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora flagged it off. Joha, an indigenous aromatic rice of Assam known for its fragrance and fine grain, received the GI tag in 2017. It is grown on about 21,662 hectares, with production of about 43,298 tonnes in 2024â25; major districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat. APEDA had earlier helped ship 1 tonne to Vietnam and 2 tonnes to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Key facts
- Dispatched
- 12 March 2026
- Consignment
- 25 tonnes to UK and Italy â first
- Facilitator
- APEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Flagged off by
- Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora
- GI tag
- 2017
- Area / output
- ~21,662 ha; ~43,298 tonnes (2024â25)
- Districts
- Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang, Golaghat
Practice MCQs 3 questions
To which two countries was the first consignment of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam exported on 12 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C â United Kingdom and Italy
The 25-tonne consignment went to the United Kingdom and Italy; earlier small shipments had gone to Vietnam and five Middle Eastern countries.
Which body facilitated the first export of Joha rice to the UK and Italy in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D â APEDA
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the export with Assam's Department of Agriculture.
Consider the following statements about Joha rice: 1. It is an indigenous aromatic rice of Assam that received a GI tag in 2017. 2. Majuli is among its major producing districts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C â Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Joha got its GI tag in 2017, and its major districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat.