The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is relying on upcoming free trade agreements (FTAs), agri-startups, and farmer producer organisations (FPOs) to propel the next phase of growth in India's agricultural exports, according to APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.
FTAs as Game Changers
In an interview with ANI, Dev described the recently concluded FTAs with the United Kingdom and the European Union as potential "game changers" for Indian agricultural exporters. He said these agreements would place Indian exporters on a level playing field with competitors in the UK and EU markets, particularly benefiting processed food products as tariff lines are liberalized.
Dev noted that APEDA's regional offices are actively educating exporters on rules-of-origin compliance to ensure they can avail themselves of the benefits offered under the FTAs.
Strengthening the Export Ecosystem
Beyond trade agreements, APEDA is focusing on strengthening the agricultural export ecosystem through innovation and greater farmer participation. Dev highlighted the success of APEDA's Bharti programme for agri-startups, stating that more than 100 startups were supported in its first edition. Eight of these startups will be showcased at an event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
He also underscored efforts to integrate FPOs into export value chains. APEDA currently has around 1,400 FPO members and aims to increase that number to nearly 3,000 this year. A dedicated FPO export promotion programme is expected to be launched within the next two to three months.
Export Share and Diversification
Dev said agricultural exports currently account for around 12 per cent of India's total merchandise exports and expressed confidence that the share would increase further in the coming years. He also highlighted efforts to source exportable produce from untapped regions, including the Northeast and landlocked states. As examples, he cited recent exports of litchi and Amrapali mangoes from Jharkhand, which he said reflected APEDA's efforts to diversify both India's export geography and product basket.
