Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Why in News?
On April 30, 2026, APEDA signed a 70-year land lease to set up a dedicated Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit, UP, to train farmers in premium seed production and export standards.
Nature and Governance
- Statutory Body: Established in 1986 under the APEDA Act, 1985.
- Nodal Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Headquarters: Located in New Delhi, with several regional offices including the newly opened one in Raipur.
Mandated Products (Scheduled Products)
APEDA is responsible for the export promotion of 14+ categories, including:
- Fruits & Vegetables: Fresh and processed (e.g., mangoes, grapes, bananas).
- Cereals: Basmati and non-Basmati rice, wheat, and millets.
- Animal Products: Meat, dairy, and poultry products.
- Processed Foods: Confectionery, honey, jaggery, and herbal plants.
- Others: Floriculture, groundnuts, walnuts, and pickles.
Core Functions & Responsibilities
- Registration: Mandatory registration of exporters of scheduled products (RCMC).
- Quality Standards: Fixing standards, conducting inspections of slaughterhouses, and certifying processing plants.
- Organic Certification: Acts as the Secretariat for the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
- Market Intelligence: Providing data on global demand and facilitating Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs).
- Sugar Monitoring: Entrusted by the government to monitor the import and export of sugar.
Major Achievements & Initiatives
- Varanasi Agri-Export Hub (VAEH): Transformed the landlocked Purvanchal region into a major hub for exporting fresh vegetables to the Middle East.
- GI Product Exports: Actively promotes Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products like Shahi Litchi, Salem Sago, and Joha Rice to premium markets like the UK, Italy, and Canada.
- Traceability Systems: Implemented digital tools like Grapenet and Basmatinet to ensure food safety and meet strict EU entry protocols.
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