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Key Points

The BHARATI initiative launched by APEDA aims to transform India's agri-export landscape by empowering 100 innovative startups. This program will focus on high-value categories including GI-tagged products and organic foods while integrating advanced technologies like AI and blockchain. Selected startups will undergo a comprehensive three-month acceleration program focusing on export readiness and market access. The initiative represents a major step toward achieving India's $50 billion agricultural export target by 2030.

Key Points: BHARATI Initiative to Empower 100 Agri Startups for $50B Exports

  • Targets $50 billion agricultural exports by 2030 through startup empowerment
  • Focuses on AI quality control and blockchain traceability technologies
  • Includes GI-tagged products, organic foods and superfoods categories
  • Three-month acceleration program for export readiness and compliance
3 min read

'BHARATI' to empower 100 agri-food startups, target $50 billion exports by 2030

APEDA launches BHARATI to accelerate 100 agri-food startups with AI, blockchain & innovation targeting $50 billion exports by 2030 through export enablement programs.

"BHARATI will connect agri-food innovators to deliver scalable solutions that enhance India’s global competitiveness - Commerce Ministry"

New Delhi, Sep 3

A new initiative called ‘BHARATI’ will empower 100 agri-food startups, drive innovation and boost exports towards $50 billion target by 2030, according to Commerce Ministry.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched the initiative, which stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement.

It has been designed to empower agri-food and agri-tech startups, accelerate their journey, promote innovation and create new export opportunities for young entrepreneurs, thus strengthening India’s agricultural and processed food exports.

Starting in September, the inaugural pilot cohort will empower 100 startups, including high-value agri-food producers, technology-driven service providers and innovators.

The BHARATI initiative is structured to complement and enhance industry and government-led incubation programmes in the agriculture, food and food processing sectors.

It seeks to drive innovation in high-value categories such as GI-tagged agri-products, organic foods, superfoods, novel processed Indian agri-foods, livestock products and AYUSH products.

The initiative also aims to attract startups working on advanced technologies such as AI-based quality control, blockchain-enabled traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains and agri-fintech, while addressing critical areas like innovative packaging, sustainability and sea protocols.

BHARATI seeks to resolve export challenges related to product development, value addition, quality assurance, perishability, wastage and logistics. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the programme will connect agri-food innovators, tech-driven solution providers and SPS-TBT-focused startups to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that enhance India’s global competitiveness, the ministry informed.

The BHARATI initiative will 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 and services.

The initiative includes a nationwide awareness campaign to engage stakeholders and attract solution-oriented startups from across India, along with an application and selection process beginning September 2025 through the APEDA website to shortlist 100 startups 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 to address export challenges.

To strengthen this ecosystem, APEDA will partner with state agricultural boards, agricultural universities, premier institutions like IITs and NITs, industry bodies and existing accelerators to attract startups for agri-export enablement.

The pilot cohort will serve as a model for a scalable annual incubation programme, driving continuous innovation and long-term export growth.

The initiative was launched in the presence of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is fantastic news! Hope they include startups from smaller towns and rural areas too, not just the metros. Real innovation often comes from those who understand ground realities. 🤞
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Arjun K
$50 billion target by 2030 seems ambitious but achievable if implemented properly. The three-month acceleration program sounds promising - hope it's practical and not just theoretical training.
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Sarah B
Great initiative! The focus on GI-tagged products and organic foods is smart - these are areas where India has unique advantages. Hope they also address sustainable packaging solutions.
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Vikram M
While the initiative looks good on paper, I hope the selection process is transparent and merit-based. Too often such programs benefit only those with connections. Fingers crossed for genuine entrepreneurs!
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Nisha Z
Love that they're including AYUSH products! Our traditional medicines and wellness products have huge export potential. This could be a game-changer for rural employment too. 👏
M
Michael C
The partnership with IITs and agricultural universities is a smart move. Academia-industry collaboration can drive real innovation. Hope they measure outcomes properly and scale what works.

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