India’s agri-export ecosystem is getting a startup-focused push

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce, has launched BHARATI—an integrated initiative designed to strengthen agri-food and agri-tech startups while expanding India’s export footprint in global markets.

BHARATI, an acronym for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement, aims to bridge innovation with international market access. The platform will identify high-potential startups and enable them to scale through export readiness, exposure to global buyers, and participation in international trade platforms.

As part of the initiative, APEDA will facilitate select early-stage ventures—particularly the top-performing startups—to showcase their products and technologies at leading global exhibitions and trade forums, positioning them directly before international buyers, investors, and supply chain partners.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of Indusfood 2026, the flagship global food and beverage exhibition being held in Greater Noida and organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).

Despite global trade volatility, India’s agri-export momentum remains resilient. APEDA-promoted exports recorded 7 per cent growth during April–November 2025-26, reaching $18.6 billion. With sustained demand across processed foods, fresh produce, and value-added agri-products, exports are projected to cross the $30 billion mark in the current financial year, surpassing last year’s $28.5 billion.

Indusfood 2026 reflects this growing international appetite. The three-day event has drawn participation from over 120 countries, with strong buyer and exhibitor presence from Asia, the Middle East, and emerging markets. More than 2,200 exhibitors from 30 countries and 15,000 global buyers and trade visitors are engaging across the food, beverage, agri-processing, and technology value chain.

By integrating startups into this export-led growth narrative, APEDA’s BHARATI initiative signals a strategic shift—from commodity-driven exports to innovation-powered, technology-enabled agri-trade—aligning India’s agricultural future with global demand dynamics.