APEDA Launches BHARATI to Empower Agri-Food Startups
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched the BHARATI initiative — Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement. In its pilot phase beginning September 2025, it will support 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups through a three-month acceleration program focused on export readiness, compliance, and market access.
$50 Billion Export Target
The initiative aims to help India achieve its target of $50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030. It will promote innovation in GI-tagged products, organic foods, superfoods, AYUSH-linked items, livestock products, and advanced processed agri-foods.
Technology and Key Challenges
BHARATI emphasizes advanced technologies such as AI-based quality checks, blockchain for traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains, and agri-fintech tools. It also seeks to address major bottlenecks like perishability, packaging, logistics, and quality assurance in exports.
Collaborative Ecosystem
The program will work in alignment with government initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Startup India. APEDA will collaborate with state boards, IITs, NITs, industry associations, and accelerators. A national awareness campaign will encourage startups to apply through the APEDA website.
