Why in News?
The Union Minister congratulated the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on completing 40 years of establishment, highlighting its role in promoting India’s agricultural exports.
About APEDA
- Full Form: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- Nature: Statutory export promotion body
- Established under: APEDA Act, 1985 (Act 2 of 1986)
- Operational from: 13 February 1986
- Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Replaced: Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC)
Objective
To promote, develop, and regulate exports of agricultural and processed food products from India and enhance global competitiveness.
Key Functions
1. Export Promotion and Market Development
- Financial assistance for exporters
- Market intelligence and trade facilitation
- Global branding of Indian agri-products
2. Registration of Exporters (RCMC)
- Registers exporters of scheduled products
- Ensures compliance with export regulations
3. Quality Standards and Certification
- Fixes export quality standards
- Inspects products like meat and processed foods
4. Packaging and Value Addition
- Promotes improved packaging and labeling
- Supports value-added processing
5. Organic Export Regulation
- Secretariat for National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
- Certification and monitoring of organic exports
6. Trade Data and Policy Support
- Collects and publishes export statistics
- Supports policy formulation
7. Monitoring of Sugar Imports
- Oversees import regulation of sugar
Product Coverage
APEDA covers a wide range of agricultural and processed products, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Basmati rice
- Meat and dairy products
- Cereals
- Honey
- Guar gum
- Floriculture
- Herbal and medicinal plants
- Cashew
- Beverages
