FTAs, agri-startups, FPOs to power farm export growth

Stronger global market access and wider farmer participation are set to reshape agricultural exports

India's agricultural exports are set for the next phase of growth, driven by new free trade agreements, agri-startups and greater participation of Farmer Producer Organisations, according to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev.

 Dev said the recently concluded trade agreements with the UK and the European Union could significantly boost India's agricultural exports by improving market access and creating a level playing field for Indian exporters.

  He noted that the FTAs would be particularly beneficial for processed food products as tariff barriers are gradually reduced. APEDA has already started conducting awareness programmes through its regional offices to help exporters understand rules-of-origin requirements and maximise benefits under the agreements.

  Alongside trade expansion, APEDA is focusing on strengthening the agricultural export ecosystem through innovation and farmer participation. 

Dev highlighted the success of the Bharti programme for agri-startups, which supported more than 100 startups in its first edition.   

 The authority is also working to integrate more FPOs into export value chains. APEDA currently has around 1,400 FPO members and aims to increase the number to nearly 3,000 during the current year. A dedicated export promotion programme for FPOs is expected to be launched within the next two to three months. 

  According to Dev, agricultural products currently contribute about 12% of India's total merchandise exports. APEDA is also encouraging exports from regions that have traditionally remained outside major export networks. 

 The authority believes that stronger trade ties, innovation-led agriculture and wider farmer participation will help India achieve sustained growth in agricultural exports in the years ahead.

—ANI