NewKerala.com

Chhattisgarh's Agri Export Hub Boosted with New APEDA Regional Office in Raipur

A new regional office of APEDA was inaugurated in Raipur during the 2nd India International Rice Summit, marking a key step to boost Chhattisgarh's agricultural exports. The state's export potential includes premium non-basmati rice, GI-tagged varieties like Jeeraphool, and a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and minor forest produce. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated the office's mission is to connect the state's farmers with the global economy, thanking Union Minister Piyush Goyal for sanctioning the facility. The initiative aims to position Chhattisgarh as a leader in high-value and sustainable agricultural exports.

Key Points: APEDA Opens Raipur Office to Boost Chhattisgarh Agri Exports

  • New APEDA office in Raipur
  • Focus on premium rice & GI-tagged products
  • Aims to link farmers to global markets
  • Leverages state's diverse agri-ecosystem
  • Supported by state and central ministries
2 min read

APEDA Regional Office inaugurated at Raipur to promote Chhattisgarh's agri exports

New APEDA regional office inaugurated in Raipur to promote Chhattisgarh's rice, GI products, fruits, and organic exports to global markets.

"a mission to integrate Chhattisgarh's farmers with the global economy - Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai"

Raipur, January 12

The Regional Office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was inaugurated at Raipur during the 2nd India International Rice Summit held in Chhattisgarh.

This marked as a significant step towards positioning Chhattisgarh as a major hub for agricultural and processed food exports. Chhattisgarh, with its rich and diverse agri-ecosystem, offers significant export potential across a wide range of products. These include premium non-basmati rice varieties and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products such as Jeeraphool Rice and Nagri Dubraj Rice, said Ministry of Commerce & Industry in a statement.

The State also produces a variety of fruits and vegetables including guava, banana, dragon fruit, jackfruit, custard apple, tomato and cucumber, along with important minor forest produce such as mahua, tamarind, herbal and medicinal plants, providing strong opportunities to expand its presence in global markets, it added.

Addressing the occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the opening of the APEDA Regional Office in Raipur is a mission to integrate Chhattisgarh's farmers with the global economy.

He highlighted the potential of the State's farmers, exporters and entrepreneurs in global agri-markets and expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would emerge as a leader in high-value and sustainable agricultural exports, and thanked Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, for sanctioning the APEDA office in Chhattisgarh based on the request of the State Government, and assured full support to APEDA and the Department of Commerce in expanding exports of agricultural and organic products from the State.

The inauguration was attended by Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, along with other dignitaries.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative! But the real test will be in its implementation. We need to ensure small and marginal farmers, not just big exporters, benefit from this global integration. The focus on minor forest produce like mahua is promising for tribal communities.
V
Vikram M
Jeeraphool and Dubraj rice from Chhattisgarh are absolute gems. With proper branding and export channels, they can compete with the best in the world. This office should prioritize building that brand identity globally. Good step by the government.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in agri-tech, this is a significant development. Connecting Chhattisgarh's diverse produce—from dragon fruit to medicinal plants—to international markets requires dedicated institutional support. APEDA's regional presence is key. Hope they also focus on sustainable and organic certification.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Our state's potential is being recognized. My uncle is a tomato farmer near Durg. If this office can help with export-grade packaging, cold chains, and direct buyer contacts, it will change lives. The mention of custard apple and jackfruit is exciting too!
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: While the inauguration is positive, we often see such offices become just another layer of bureaucracy. The focus must remain on ground-level impact—simplifying processes for farmers and SMEs, not just holding summits. The proof will be in the export numbers in 2-3 years.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50