Context:

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched its new initiative ‘BHARATI’ (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) on 2 September 2025.

Objectives of the Initiative:

• In line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-up India.
• To empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups.
• To promote innovation and create new export opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Announcement:

• Launched during the Food and Beverage Sector Stakeholders Meeting.
• Chairperson: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal.
• Vision: Achieving $50 billion agri-food exports by 2030.

Partnerships:

• APEDA will strengthen this program in collaboration with State Agricultural Boards, Agricultural Universities, IIT–NIT, industry organizations, and existing accelerators.

Key Features:

• Startups will be supported for innovative technology and product development.
• Emphasis on quality control and compliance with EU and other international market standards.
• Use of digital platforms and data analytics to strengthen the agricultural export process.

Role in India’s Agricultural Export Policy:

• The BHARATI initiative is a transformative step for export promotion under India’s agricultural export policy.
• This policy provides a comprehensive roadmap for farmers, exporters, and export promotion institutions.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

• A top body under the Government of India, responsible for promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products.
• Established: In 1986 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Functions: Promoting exports, quality control, providing financial assistance to exporters, and developing infrastructure for agricultural exports.

Scope of Work:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh and processed fruits & vegetables.
• Meat and Dairy Products: Buffalo meat, milk, ghee, cheese, etc.
• Marine Products: Shrimp, fish, and cuttlefish.
• Spices: Chili, cumin, turmeric, fennel, etc.
• Cereals: Basmati and non-basmati rice, wheat, etc.
• Organic Products: Organic food and GI (Geographical Indication) products.
• Others: Honey, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and value-added food products.

Structure:

• Includes a Chairman appointed by the Central Government, Agricultural Marketing Advisor, representative of NITI Aayog, Members of Parliament, and representatives of various ministries.

Achievements (FY 2024–25):

• By July 2025, agricultural and processed food exports reached around USD 49.4 billion, with processed food accounting for about 20.4% of exports.
• Dairy exports: Increased by 80%, reaching USD 492.9 million.
• Spice exports: From Mehsana (Gujarat) amounted to USD 4.8 billion.
• Global reach: Asia (58%), Global South (75%), and Europe (12.6%) were the major markets.