Centre creates matrix for 50 agricultural products with good export potential to help boost agri exports
- India’s agri exports crossed USD 50 billion for the year 2021-22, notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic in the form of high freight rates, container shortages, etc.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- It is an apex body authorized under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It is established to promote the export of agricultural commodities and processed food products.
- APEDA also assists in upgradation and strengthening of recognized laboratories for export testing and residue monitoring plans.
- APEDA also provides assistance under the financial assistance schemes of infrastructure development, quality improvement and market development for boosting export of agricultural products.
- APEDA has adopted multiple world class technology and software in IT division such as:
- Blockchain technology implemented in hortinet traceability,
- Farmer Connect Portal,
- Geographical Indications (GI) Promotion Portal,
- Mobile App,
- iTrack System,
- TraceNet,
- Organic Promotional Portal,
- Agriexchange App,
- Cloud Migration etc.
Growth Statistics
- It scripted a new history by exporting agricultural and processed food products to the tune of USD 25.6 billion, which is 51 per cent of India's total agriculture exports of USD 50 billion.
- APEDA has also surpassed its own export target of USD 23.7 billion for the financial year 2021-22 by registering shipment of USD 25.6 billion.
- The growth rate is remarkable as it is over and above the growth of 17.66 per cent at USD 41.87 billion achieved in 2020-21.
- APEDA's major exporting destination as per 2021-22 data are Bangladesh, UAE, Vietnam, USA, Nepal, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iran and Egypt.
Various Initiatives taken by Center
- The government organized more than 300 outreach programmes in collaboration with state governments for enhancing the exports of agricultural produce.
- Several initiatives to promote geographical indications (GI) registered with agricultural and processed food products in India by organizing virtual Buyer Seller Meets.
- To ensure seamless quality certification of products to be exported, the government recognized 220 labs across India to provide services of testing a wide range of products to exporters.
- The participation of exporters in the International Trade Fairs was organized, which provides a platform to the exporters to market their food products in the global marketplace.
- National events like AAHAR, Organic World Congress, BioFach India etc. were organized to promote agri-exports.
Conclusion
The demand of natural products is growing and consumers demand greater quantities of foods, cosmetics and medicines that contain natural ingredients, the Center is in process to formulate a strategy for promotion of export of natural farming products in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop the standards for production along with a certification system.
Exam Track
Prelims Takeaway
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Geographical Indications (GI) Promotion Portal
- AAHAR initiative
Mains Takeaway
Q. “India could be the beacon to the modern world with its agriculture potential and could emerge as a food supplier to everyone”. Discuss.