APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to Empower Agri-Food Startups and Boost Exports

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Dated: 03.09.2025

APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to Empower Agri-Food Startups and Boost Exports

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement), aimed at revolutionizing India’s agri-food export landscape. Launched during the Food & Beverages Sector Stakeholders Meeting on September 2, 2025, the initiative was inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan.

A Vision for $50 Billion Agri-Food Exports by 2030 

BHARATI is a bold step towards achieving APEDA’s ambitious target of $50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030. The initiative is designed to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups, fostering innovation, driving export growth, and creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs. By leveraging advanced technologies and addressing critical challenges in the agri-food sector, BHARATI aims to strengthen India’s global competitiveness.

Pilot Cohort Launching September 2025 

The inaugural pilot cohort, set to begin in September 2025, will focus on empowering startups in high-value categories such as GI-tagged agri-products, organic foods, superfoods, novel processed Indian agri-foods, livestock products, and AYUSH products. Startups working on cutting-edge technologies like AI-based quality control, blockchain-enabled traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains, and agri-fintech will also be prioritized. The programme will address key export challenges, including product development, value addition, quality assurance, perishability, wastage, and logistics.

Collaborative Ecosystem for Innovation 

BHARATI is structured to complement existing industry and government-led incubation programmes in agriculture, food, and food processing sectors. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the initiative will connect agri-food innovators, tech-driven solution providers, and startups focused on SPS-TBT compliance to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions. APEDA plans to partner with state agricultural boards, agricultural universities, premier institutions like IITs and NITs, industry bodies, and accelerators to attract solution-oriented startups.

Nationwide Awareness Campaign 

To ensure maximum participation, APEDA will launch a nationwide awareness campaign to engage stakeholders and attract startups from across India. The application and selection process will begin in September 2025 through the APEDA website, where 100 startups will be shortlisted for the export enablement programme. Selected startups will undergo a three-month acceleration programme focusing on product development, export readiness, regulatory compliance, market access, and collaborative solutions.

Driving Long-Term Export Growth 

The pilot cohort will serve as a model for a scalable annual incubation programme, driving continuous innovation and long-term export growth. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-Up India, BHARATI aims to create globally competitive agri-products, fuel demand-driven backward integration for food innovation, and boost global demand for Indian food, beverage, and processed food products.

Conclusion

With the launch of BHARATI, APEDA has reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting agricultural and processed food products from India to global markets. By harnessing the power of youth and entrepreneurship, this initiative is set to transform India’s agri-food export landscape, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. As the pilot cohort kicks off in September 2025, BHARATI promises to be a game-changer in strengthening India’s position in global agri-food trade.

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Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

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