Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is an apex body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for the promotion and development of the export of agricultural and processed food products. Established in 1986 under the APEDA Act, the authority plays a critical role in ensuring India's position as a leading exporter of high-quality agricultural produce.

Core Business and Mission

APEDA is dedicated to promoting agricultural exports by providing financial assistance, infrastructure development, and market intelligence. Its mission includes:

• Enhancing quality standards and certifications for agri-exports.
• Facilitating the export of scheduled agricultural products.
• Providing exporters with technical and financial support.
• Market development, export promotion, and trade facilitation for Indian agricultural products globally.

Product Offerings

APEDA oversees the export promotion of a wide range of agricultural and processed food products, including:

• Cereals: Rice, Wheat, Maize, Barley, Millets
• Fruits & Vegetables: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables
• Processed Foods: Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Sauces
• Animal Products: Meat, Poultry, Dairy Products
• Organic Products: Organic Cereals, Organic Fruits, Organic Vegetables
• Millets: Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Finger Millet
• Cashew Products: Raw Cashew Nuts, Processed Cashew Kernels
• Groundnut: Raw Groundnuts, Roasted Groundnuts
• Alcoholic Beverages: Wine, Beer, Spirits
• Floriculture & Seeds: Cut Flowers, Planting Seeds

Specialization and Core USP

APEDA plays a key role in regulating and promoting Indian agri-exports through:

• Quality Compliance & Certifications: APEDA ensures compliance with international food safety standards, including HACCP, ISO, and organic certifications.
• Market Intelligence & Research: The organization provides exporters with real-time data and trade insights.
• Infrastructure Support: APEDA has strengthened cold storage, packaging centers, and food parks across India.
• Financial Assistance & Subsidies: Exporters benefit from various financial aid schemes to enhance their competitiveness.
• Branding & Promotion: APEDA supports global promotional campaigns for Indian agricultural brands.

Financial Performance & Export Data

India has emerged as one of the world's largest agricultural exporters, with APEDA playing a significant role in driving exports:

• Export Volume: Over ₹1.75 lakh crore ($21 billion) worth of agri-products exported annually.
• Top Markets: USA, UAE, EU, China, Bangladesh, Japan, Saudi Arabia.
• Key Growth Sectors: Basmati rice exports exceeded ₹29,000 crore in 2023, while organic food exports surpassed ₹5,000 crore.

Certifications and Compliance

APEDA ensures adherence to strict international food quality and safety standards, including:

• ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points)
• GlobalG.A.P. Certification
• USDA Organic & India Organic Certification
• FSSAI Compliance for Domestic Trade

Achievements and Initiatives

• GI Tagging for Indian Products: APEDA has successfully secured Geographical Indications (GI) status for numerous products such as Basmati Rice, Alphonso Mango, Darjeeling Tea.
• Strengthened Organic Farming Exports: India is now among the top 10 organic food exporters globally.
• Digitization & E-Commerce Integration: APEDA launched an online traceability system for organic products and export documentation.
• Global Trade Fairs & Expositions: APEDA actively promotes Indian agri-exports through participation in international exhibitions.

Target Markets & Expansion Plans

APEDA aims to expand India's agricultural exports to new markets, focusing on:

• Increasing agri-exports to Africa, Latin America, and CIS nations.
• Enhancing India's presence in the organic and processed food sectors.
• Strengthening cold chain and logistics infrastructure for perishable goods.

Conclusion

APEDA continues to drive India's agri-export sector, ensuring high-quality standards, expanding global markets, and supporting Indian farmers and exporters. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and market expansion, APEDA is pivotal in positioning India as a global leader in agricultural trade.