APEDA launches BHARATI to empower agri food startups

Introduction

APEDA launches BHARATI to empower agri food startups: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched BHARATI, a strategic initiative to accelerate India’s agri-food export sector. The programme aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Startup India visions, aiming to transform India into a leading hub for agricultural innovation and global trade.

Meaning of BHARATI

BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement. It is designed to act as a national platform for nurturing innovative agri-food startups, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of international markets.

Static GK fact: APEDA was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote agricultural exports.

Key objectives

The programme targets supporting 100 agri-food startups by 2030 with the ambitious goal of reaching $50 billion in exports. Startups will undergo a three-month acceleration programme covering export readiness, product development, regulatory compliance, and market access.

Driving innovation

BHARATI focuses on startups using AI-based quality control, blockchain-enabled traceability, and IoT-driven cold chains. It also encourages solutions in agri-fintech to streamline farmer payments and export transactions.

Static GK tip: India is the world’s largest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, making food startups crucial for value addition and export growth.

High value categories

Startups will work on GI-tagged agri-products, organic foods, superfoods, livestock products, AYUSH-linked products, and novel processed Indian foods. These categories have high international demand and significant potential to strengthen India’s export basket.

Solving export challenges

BHARATI addresses long-standing export hurdles such as quality assurance, perishability, wastage, and logistics. By enabling value addition and better supply chain management, the programme enhances India’s global competitiveness.

Role of agri startups in exports

Agri startups are playing a transformative role in India’s export ecosystem. They are helping build demand-driven cold chains, improving warehouse monitoring, and creating effective market linkages. This reduces post-harvest losses and ensures global-quality standards.

Startups are also providing quality inputs and advisory services to farmers, resulting in higher yields. With Big Data and IoT solutions, precision farming, pest management, and weather forecasting are ensuring consistent, export-ready crops.

Static GK fact: Agricultural exports account for nearly 11% of India’s total exports, with rice, marine products, and spices being top contributors.

Market linkages and global presence

Innovative models connecting farmers directly to buyers help align production with international demand. By strengthening traceability and processing, agri startups ensure India’s food exports meet the strict standards of global markets.

Conclusion

The BHARATI initiative is a milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global agri-export leader. By integrating technology, innovation, and farmer-centric solutions, it has the potential to significantly boost India’s agricultural trade footprint.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

APEDA launches BHARATI to empower agri food startups: