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APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to Support Agri-Food Startups and Boost Exports

Introduction

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched BHARATI (Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) to strengthen India's agri-food export ecosystem. The initiative aims to support 100 agri-food startups and contribute towards achieving the national target of US$50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030 through innovation, incubation and export enablement.

ANALYSIS

What is BHARATI?

BHARATI is APEDA's flagship initiative designed to create a robust innovation ecosystem for India's agri-food sector by supporting startups, promoting export-oriented technologies and improving global competitiveness.

Full Form

B – Bharat'sH – Hub forA – AgritechR – ResilienceA – AdvancementT – andI – Incubation for Export EnablementThe initiative seeks to integrate technology, entrepreneurship and exports to strengthen India's agricultural value chains.

Objectives of BHARATI

The initiative aims to:

• Support 100 agri-food startups.
• Promote innovation in agriculture and food processing.
• Enhance export competitiveness.
• Develop export-ready agri-food enterprises.
• Strengthen India's position in global agri-food trade.
• Achieve US$50 billion agri-food exports by 2030.

The programme focuses on building a sustainable ecosystem where startups can contribute to value addition, quality improvement and export diversification.

Alignment with National Initiatives

BHARATI has been aligned with major Government initiatives, including:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Startup India

The initiative supports the broader objective of making India a globally competitive producer and exporter of agricultural and processed food products through innovation-driven growth.

Focus Areas

BHARATI is expected to promote:

• Agritech innovation
• Export-oriented food processing
• Value addition in agriculture
• Startup incubation
• Export enablement
• Resilient agricultural supply chains
• Global market access for agri-food products

These interventions are intended to improve productivity, product quality and international competitiveness.

Expected Outcomes

The initiative is expected to:

• Create an innovation-driven agri-export ecosystem.
• Increase participation of startups in agricultural exports.
• Promote technology-led agriculture.
• Strengthen food processing industries.
• Generate employment opportunities.
• Improve farmers' income through value addition.
• Enhance India's share in global agri-food trade.

The long-term objective is to transform India from a supplier of raw agricultural commodities to a major exporter of high-value processed food products.

High-Level Participation

The launch meeting was chaired 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

The participation of the UAE Minister highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in expanding India's agri-food export markets.

Significance

BHARATI represents a shift from conventional export promotion towards an innovation-led export ecosystem. By integrating startups, agritech, food processing and incubation, the initiative seeks to improve value addition, strengthen export readiness and enhance India's competitiveness in international agricultural markets. If successfully implemented, BHARATI can become an important catalyst in achieving the national target of US$50 billion agri-food exports by 2030.

STATIC PART

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Established:1986Act:APEDA Act, 1985Administrative Ministry:Ministry of Commerce & IndustryHeadquarters:New DelhiChairman: Appointed by the Government of India

Functions

• Promotion of agricultural and processed food exports.
• Registration of exporters.
• Export infrastructure development.
• Export quality certification.
• Capacity building for exporters.
• Branding and international promotion of Indian agricultural products.
• Market development and export facilitation.
• Promotion of value-added agricultural exports.

Startup India

Launched:16 January 2016Nodal Department:Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Objectives

• Promote entrepreneurship.
• Support startup ecosystem.
• Facilitate innovation.
• Generate employment.
• Encourage investment in technology-driven enterprises.

Atmanirbhar Bharat

Objective

To strengthen domestic manufacturing, innovation, competitiveness and self-reliance while integrating Indian industries with global value chains.

Institution Mentioned

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)

Established:1988 (as a separate Ministry)

Functions

• Promote food processing industries.
• Reduce post-harvest losses.
• Encourage value addition.
• Improve food processing infrastructure.
• Promote exports of processed food products.

Updated – 03 September 2025 | 07:09 AM | News Source – News on AIR