APEDA Launches BHARATI To Boost Agri-Food Exports
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched BHARATI in 2025. This initiative aims to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups. It supports innovation and creates new export opportunities. BHARATI aligns with India’s goal to reach $50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030.
BHARATI Initiative
BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement. It is designed to accelerate startup growth in agriculture and food processing sectors. The initiative focuses on innovation, export readiness and market access. It complements existing government and industry incubation programmes. The pilot phase started in September 2025 with 100 selected startups.
Focus Areas and Technologies
BHARATI targets high-value agri-food products such as GI-tagged items, organic foods, superfoods, AYUSH products and livestock products. It promotes advanced technologies including AI-based quality control, blockchain traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains and agri-fintech solutions. The initiative also addresses packaging innovation, sustainability and sea transport protocols to reduce wastage and improve logistics.
Export Challenges and Solutions
The programme tackles issues like product development, quality assurance, perishability and logistics hurdles. It encourages collaboration among innovators, tech providers and startups focused on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) compliance. BHARATI aims to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that enhance India’s export competitiveness.
Alignment with National Policies
BHARATI supports key government visions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India and Start-Up India. It aims to create globally competitive agri-products and stimulate demand-driven backward integration for food innovation. The initiative is expected to boost global demand for Indian food, beverage and processed products.
Implementation and Collaboration
The initiative includes a nationwide awareness campaign to attract startups. The application and selection process began in September 2025 via the APEDA website. Selected startups undergo a three-month acceleration programme focusing on export readiness, regulatory compliance and market access. APEDA partners with state agricultural boards, universities including IITs and NITs, industry bodies and accelerators to strengthen the ecosystem.
Future Prospects
The pilot cohort serves as a model for an annual scalable incubation programme. It aims to drive continuous innovation and sustained export growth. APEDA’s commitment to promoting agricultural exports is reinforced through BHARATI. The initiative harnesses youth entrepreneurship to enhance India’s position in global agri-food trade.
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