The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched a transformative initiative called BHARATI – Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement. The programme was formally introduced during the “Food & Beverages Sector Stakeholders Meeting” chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal, with the participation of UAE Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Mr. Chirag Paswan.

This landmark initiative is designed to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups across the country, with a focus on accelerating innovation, driving export opportunities, and enabling sustainable growth in India’s agricultural and food processing sector. APEDA has set a visionary target of achieving Rs. 4,40,150 crore (US$ 50 billion) in agri-food exports of Scheduled Products by 2030, and BHARATI is positioned as a critical step in this journey.

Empowering Startups for Global Competitiveness

Beginning in September 2025, the pilot cohort of BHARATI will feature high-value producers, technology-driven service providers, and innovators in fields such as:

• GI-tagged agri-products that enhance India’s unique agricultural identity.

• Organic food and superfoods, reflecting growing global demand for health-oriented products.

• AYUSH-based food and wellness products, leveraging India’s traditional heritage.

• Livestock-based food items, including dairy, poultry, and meat exports.

The initiative aims to make India’s agri-products globally competitive, ensuring quality and innovation that matches international standards.

Technology-Driven Export Enablement

BHARATI incorporates cutting-edge technologies to modernise India’s agri-export ecosystem. These include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based quality control systems, enhancing product precision.

• Blockchain-based traceability mechanisms, ensuring transparency across the supply chain.

• Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled cold chains, reducing wastage and improving perishability management.

• Agri-fintech solutions, improving financial access and efficiency for farmers and startups.

These advanced tools will address critical challenges like product development, value addition, quality assurance, perishability, packaging, sustainability, and logistics, all of which are crucial for scaling exports.

Aligned with National Visions

The initiative is closely aligned with flagship government programmes such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-Up India. BHARATI is designed to:

• Foster backward integration by linking startups with farmers and producer groups.

• Promote demand-led product development tailored for international markets.

• Create global demand for Indian agri-products while boosting domestic agricultural innovation.

By strengthening the ecosystem, APEDA envisions India’s agri-food industry becoming a pillar of self-reliance and international competitiveness.

Selection Process and Outreach

A nationwide outreach programme will be conducted to identify and attract solution-oriented startups. The selection process begins in September 2025 through the APEDA website, where shortlisted startups will participate in a three-month acceleration programme.

The accelerator will focus on:

• Export readiness for startups.

• Regulatory compliance to meet global food safety standards.

• Market access strategies, including trade linkages with countries like UAE, EU, USA, and others.

• Collaborative solutions, encouraging innovation through partnerships.

Strategic Collaborations

To strengthen the initiative, APEDA will collaborate with:

• State agricultural boards and universities.

• Premier institutions like IITs and NITs.

• Industry associations and accelerators.

These collaborations will help create a sustainable innovation ecosystem by integrating technical knowledge, research expertise, and market connections.

Long-Term Impact

The pilot cohort of BHARATI is expected to act as a model for an annual incubation programme, which will scale up every year to include new cohorts of startups. This continuous pipeline of innovators will ensure:

• Long-term export growth.

• Continuous technological advancement in the agri-food sector.

• Enhanced global competitiveness for Indian products.

• Consolidation of India’s position in global agri-food trade.

Conclusion

The launch of BHARATI by APEDA marks a significant step in transforming India’s agri-food exports. By combining technology, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, the initiative will create opportunities for startups while enabling India to reach its ambitious $50 billion export target by 2030.

Through this initiative, India is not only strengthening its position in the global agri-food supply chain but also reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable and technology-driven agriculture.

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