APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to Boost Agri-Food Exports
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. The initiative was unveiled during the Food & Beverages Sector Stakeholders Meeting chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal. UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan joined him in launching the programme.
Empowering Start-ups for Global Competitiveness
BHARATI aims to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech start-ups by providing an enabling ecosystem to scale their businesses and tap into international markets. The initiative is a cornerstone of APEDA’s strategy to achieve $50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030.
The pilot cohort, beginning in September 2025, will support high-value agri-food producers, tech-driven service providers and innovators. Start-ups working in areas such as GI-tagged products, organic foods, superfoods, livestock products, AYUSH products and novel processed Indian foods will be encouraged.
In addition, the programme will foster innovation in advanced technologies including AI-driven quality control, blockchain traceability, IoT-based cold chains, agri-fintech and sustainable packaging solutions.
Driving Innovation and Solving Export Challenges
BHARATI has been designed to address key hurdles in India’s agri-food exports, such as quality assurance, value addition, perishability, wastage and logistics. By connecting start-ups with solution providers and regulators, the initiative will strengthen India’s ability to compete in global markets.
The three-month acceleration programme will focus on product development, regulatory compliance, export readiness, market access and collaborative solutions. Selected start-ups will gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities and partnerships with agricultural boards, universities, IITs, NITs and leading industry bodies.
Building a Scalable Export Growth Model
Aligned with national missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India and Start-Up India, BHARATI aims to build globally competitive agri-products and promote demand-driven backward integration. A nationwide awareness campaign will also be launched to attract solution-focused start-ups across India, with applications opening in September 2025 on the APEDA website.
The pilot will serve as a model for a scalable annual incubation programme, driving innovation and long-term export growth. APEDA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agricultural and processed food exporters, ensuring India strengthens its position in the global agri-food trade.