Kakinada, March 31 -- Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday announced that Telangana had successfully exported its first consignment of rice to the Philippines, marking a major step in tapping global markets for the state's surplus paddy, an official statement from the Telangana goverment said.

According to the release, the agreement specifies that the exported rice would be of the IR64/MTU1010 variety, with 5% broken, well-milled, polished, and Sortex quality. The rice must also adhere to strict quality parameters, including minimal foreign matter, low moisture content (up to 14%), and limited damaged, discoloured, and red grains.

Speaking to the media after flagging off the shipment at Kakinada Port...