The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening agri-food and agri-tech startups while expanding India’s agricultural exports, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said on Thursday.

The initiative, named BHARATI—short for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement—is designed to nurture innovation in the agriculture sector and help young entrepreneurs access global markets.

Speaking on the sidelines of the three-day Indusfood 2026 exhibition at Greater Noida, Dev said the programme will provide export-oriented support to promising startups. “Under this initiative, the top 10 startups will be given an opportunity to showcase their products at international platforms,” he said, adding that BHARATI aims to bridge the gap between innovation and export readiness.

Despite ongoing global trade uncertainties, India’s agri exports are showing steady growth, Dev noted. APEDA-promoted exports grew 7 per cent during April–November 2025-26 to USD 18.6 billion. In comparison, total agri exports stood at USD 28.5 billion in 2024-25. “This fiscal, we expect to cross USD 30 billion,” he said.

The Indusfood show is being organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI). TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla said the event has drawn strong international participation, with buyers and exhibitors from over 120 countries.