APEDA launches BHARATI initiative to boost agri-food exports

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, during the “Food & Beverages Sector Stakeholders Meeting” chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal, alongside UAE Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Mr. Chirag Paswan. The programme aims to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups, accelerating innovation, creating export opportunities, and supporting APEDA’s vision of achieving Rs. 4,40,150 crore (US$ 50 billion) in agri-food exports of Scheduled Products by 2030. Starting September 2025, the pilot cohort will include high-value producers, technology-driven service providers, and innovators in areas such as GI-tagged agri-products, organic foods, superfoods, AYUSH products, and livestock-based items. BHARATI also targets advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based quality control, blockchain traceability, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled cold chains, and agri-fintech, while addressing critical challenges in product development, value addition, quality assurance, perishability, packaging, sustainability, and logistics.
Aligned with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-Up India, BHARATI seeks to create globally competitive agri-products, drive demand-led backward integration, and boost international demand for Indian food and processed products. The programme includes nationwide outreach to attract solution-oriented startups, with a selection process beginning in September 2025 via the APEDA website. Selected startups will undergo a three-month acceleration programme focusing on export readiness, regulatory compliance, market access, and collaborative solutions. APEDA will partner with state agricultural boards, agricultural universities, premier institutions such as IITs and NITs, industry bodies, and existing accelerators to strengthen the ecosystem. The pilot cohort will serve as a model for an annual scalable incubation programme, fostering continuous innovation and long-term export growth while consolidating India’s position in the global agri-food trade.

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