APEDA launched the ‘BHARATI’ initiative

Why in discussion?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched the new ‘BHARATI’ initiative to promote India’s agri-food exports on a global scale.

Key Points

• The program was launched during a stakeholder meeting in the food and beverage sector, attended by:
  • Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal
  • Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan
  • UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

About BHARATI

• Full Form: Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement
• Objective:
  • Empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups
  • Promote innovation
  • Create new export opportunities for youth

Main Goals

• Achieve $50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030
• Strengthen India’s global competitiveness through advanced technologies and innovation
• Encourage innovation in high-value sectors such as:
  • GI-tagged products
  • Organic foods
  • Superfoods
  • Livestock products
  • AYUSH products

Key Initiatives and Activities

1.Pilot Group:

• Starts September 2025
• 100 selected startups will undergo a 3-month Accelerator Program
• Training in product development, export readiness, regulatory compliance, and market access

2. Technology Focus:

• AI-based quality control
• Blockchain-enabled traceability
• IoT-enabled cold chain
• Agri-fintech solutions and innovative packaging
• Solutions for export challenges like perishability, wastage, and logistics

3. Collaborative Ecosystem:

• Complementary to industry- and government-led incubation programs
• Focus on SPS-TBT (Sanitary and Phytosanitary / Technical Barriers to Trade) centered startups
• Develop scalable and cost-effective solutions for global markets

Government Alignment

• Fully aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Startup India initiatives
• Enhances global demand for Indian agricultural, food, and processed food products
• Nationwide awareness campaigns and APEDA website will guide startup selection and application processes

About APEDA

• Established: 1985 by the Government of India
• Type: Central Authority under the Ministry of Commerce
• Main Objectives:
  • Promote India’s agricultural and processed food exports
  • Create global market opportunities for farmers and exporters
  • Ensure product quality and standards
• Key Activities:
  • Training and technical support to boost exports
  • Market research and organizing international exhibitions
  • Implementing quality control, packaging, and labeling regulations
• Controlled Products:
  • Fruits & vegetables, dairy, meat, marine products, spices, organic, and processed food products