Why in news?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched the BHARATI initiative in September 2025 to nurture 100 agri‑food startups. The programme aims to boost innovation and export competitiveness to achieve a target of US$50 billion in agri‑food exports by 2030.
Key features
- Acronym and scope: BHARATI stands for “Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, Technology and Incubation.” It will select a cohort of 100 startups working in areas such as value‑added foods, organic farming, supply‑chain technology and climate‑resilient agriculture.
- Support system: The selected startups will receive mentorship, market access, laboratory facilities and financial assistance. They will be encouraged to use technologies like blockchain for traceability, artificial intelligence for crop forecasting and drones for precision farming.
- Export focus: APEDA will help startups connect with foreign buyers, comply with international quality standards and tap into high‑value markets. The initiative aligns with the government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and promoting Make in India.
Importance
- Entrepreneurship and jobs: By fostering innovation in food processing and logistics, BHARATI can generate skilled employment and attract youth to agriculture.
- Reducing post‑harvest losses: Technology‑driven cold chains, packaging and processing can minimise wastage and improve farmers’ returns.
- Food security: Diversified products and resilient supply chains enhance India’s food security and open opportunities in sustainable foods.
Challenges and way forward
The initiative must overcome hurdles such as poor rural infrastructure, limited access to credit and regulatory bottlenecks. Success will require coordinated efforts between central agencies, state governments, research institutions and the private sector. Training farmers in digital tools and ensuring fair contracts will be crucial for inclusive growth.