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APEDA established in 1985, facilitates the export of scheduled agricultural products under the Ministry of Commerce. With APEDA’s support, Indian exporters gain global quality compliance and reach.
PWOnlyIAS
May 05, 2025
APEDA: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is a fundamental pillar in boosting India’s Agro-Export Sector. Known for facilitating the growth and promotion of agri and food exports, APEDA is a statutory body that has been instrumental in positioning India as a global agri-export hub. Interested candidates must read on to get a comprehensive look into what is APEDA, its functions, roles, and organisational structure, while also exploring key data and recent updates.
APEDA stands for the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It is a statutory body set up by the Government of India under the APEDA Act passed by Parliament in December 1985. The Act (No. 2 of 1986) came into force on 13th February 1986, replacing the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). Thus, APEDA was established to promote and develop the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India.
| APEDA Overview | |
| Feature | Description |
| Full Form | Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority |
| APEDA Established | February 13, 1986, under the APEDA Act, 1985 (2 of 1986) |
| APEDA Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| APEDA Comes Under Which Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India |
| Statutory Status | APEDA is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament |
| Replaced Organization | Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC) |
| Major Products Handled | Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Poultry, Dairy, Bakery, Honey, Beverages, Cereals, Basmati Rice, Herbal Plants, Cashew, and more |
| Main Objective | Promotion and development of the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products |
| APEDA Roles and Functions | Export promotion, financial assistance, registration of exporters, standard setting, packaging improvement, training, inspection, statistics |
| Export Monitoring Platform | Agri Exchange – provides real-time export data and performance reports |
APEDA was established to promote the export of agricultural and processed food products and to replace the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC), which was operational earlier. Since its inception, APEDA has played a critical role in enabling India to expand its agro-product exports, boost food processing industries, and create global market linkages for Indian agricultural producers and exporters.
The statutory backing ensures that APEDA has the authority to implement export-oriented initiatives, regulate standards for processed food items, and provide financial assistance to stakeholders. Over the years, APEDA has emerged as a nodal agency responsible for the strategic planning, development, and promotion of agricultural exports in India.
The headquarters of APEDA is located in New Delhi, the capital city of India. This central location allows APEDA to coordinate efficiently with various ministries, exporters, trade bodies, and international stakeholders. It serves as the central command for all strategic decision-making, regulatory control, training initiatives, policy formulation, and inter-agency coordination.
APEDA has a strong regional footprint, with its headquarters in New Delhi and 16 regional offices across India. This enables direct outreach to exporters, farmers, and agri-industrial stakeholders in agro-potential states.
APEDA Logo is a visual representation of its mission and identity. It typically features a stylised green leaf, symbolising agriculture, organic produce, and sustainability. The design reflects APEDA’s focus on environment-friendly agricultural development, processed food promotion, and the green revolution in India’s export landscape.
As a recognised symbol of quality and compliance, the APEDA logo assures global buyers of adherence to international standards and Indian regulatory norms. It also enhances the brand credibility of Indian agro-products in foreign markets.
Understanding the roles of APEDA is essential to learn how it serves as a critical link in India’s agri-export ecosystem. The core APEDA roles and functions as per the APEDA Act include:
These diverse functions describe how APEDA is not just a promotional body but also a facilitator of quality control, market access, and sustainable growth.
APEDA is responsible for the promotion of a wide range of scheduled products, including:
Recently, Cashew Kernels, Cardanol, and Cashewnut Shell Liquid have also been brought under APEDA’s purview via DGFT Notification dated 14/06/2021.
APEDA is also the Secretariat for the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). Only products certified under NPOP standards are eligible for organic export certification. This ensures that Indian organic products meet international norms.
Export Performance data and trade statistics monitored by APEDA can be accessed via the Agri Exchange platform on its official website. India’s agri-export sector has shown steady growth with the strategic support of APEDA.
To promote this growth, APEDA provides financial assistance under multiple schemes, which include:
The APEDA Authority is composed of members from various ministries, state governments, industries, and scientific communities. It includes:
This multi-stakeholder composition ensures that APEDA operates with inputs from all relevant sectors.
As of May 2025, APEDA is actively formulating new strategies to boost agricultural and processed food exports. The Commerce Ministry has been working on reducing logistical barriers and enhancing market access. Officials have emphasised collaboration with research institutions and industry experts to drive innovation and sustainability in agri exports.
A high-level inter-ministerial meeting discussed key sectors such as:
India’s agricultural exports surpassed USD 50 billion in 2024–25, signaling APEDA’s critical contribution.
APEDA stands as a cornerstone in India’s export infrastructure, guiding and supporting the country’s agri-export community. With its structured mandate, extensive network, and evolving strategies, APEDA continues to play a defining role in promoting India’s agricultural prowess globally. Whether you’re an exporter, policymaker, or agri-entrepreneur, understanding what is APEDA, the roles and functions of APEDA, and its impact is essential for navigating the dynamic world of agri exports.
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