APEDA’s Financial Assistance & Infrastructure Support Drive Growth
New Delhi, February 5: India’s fruit and vegetable exports have witnessed a remarkable 47.3% increase in volume between the financial years 2019-20 and 2023-24, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The surge has been attributed to the financial assistance schemes provided by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Department of Commerce.
Government’s Role in Export Growth
The ministry, in an official statement, emphasized the impact of these initiatives:
“APEDA’s financial assistance schemes boost a 47.3% surge in India’s fruit and vegetable exports.”
APEDA has played a crucial role in supporting exporters by offering financial aid for essential export infrastructure, including:
- Packhouses with grading and packing lines
- Pre-cooling units & cold storage
- Refrigerated transportation
- Treatment facilities (irradiation, vapor heat treatment, hot water dip treatment)
These efforts help ensure Indian fruits and vegetables meet international quality standards, making them more competitive in global markets.
Enhancing Quality & Market Access
To maintain high product quality, APEDA also provides financial support for:
- Laboratory testing equipment
- Quality management systems
- Handheld devices to track farm-level data
- Testing for water, soil, and pesticide residues
This ensures compliance with the strict regulations imposed by importing countries.
Additionally, APEDA assists exporters in expanding market reach by:
- Participating in international trade fairs
- Organizing buyer-seller meets
- Developing improved packaging standards
These initiatives help enhance India’s agricultural produce competitiveness on a global scale.
India Expands to 17 New Markets
In FY 2023-24, India exported fresh fruits and vegetables to 123 countries. Over the past three years, Indian produce has entered 17 new markets, including:
- Brazil
- Georgia
- Uganda
- Papua New Guinea
- Czech Republic
- Ghana
Sea Transport Protocols to Reduce Costs
To further boost exports, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and APEDA have identified key products and target countries for focused trade negotiations.
The ministry highlighted the importance of sea transport protocols for horticultural products, stating:
“Development of sea protocols for horticulture products to reduce logistic expenses and enable larger volumes of exports.”
Strengthening Compliance & Trade Relations
Regular discussions with importing countries’ authorities, backed by Indian diplomatic missions, are ensuring compliance with phyto-sanitary regulations. These efforts help maintain India’s reputation for high-quality agricultural exports.
With these ongoing initiatives, APEDA continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s agricultural exports, making Indian produce more accessible and competitive in global markets.