APEDA To Boost Exports Of Agri, Processed Foods

New Delhi: The commerce ministry's arm APEDA is mulling formulation of strategies to boost export of agricultural and processed food products from India, an official statement said on Sunday.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Authority (APEDA) held an inter-ministerial dialogue to deliberate on the strategy last week here. Representatives from state governments, policy experts, industry leaders from agri trade and processed foods sector also participated in the discussions Speaking at the forum, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the government is committed to reducing logistical barriers and enhancing market access for Indian agri and processed food products. He added that academia and research institutions must be part of multi-sectoral consultations so that research and development can be a major focus for innovation and sustainability in agri exports.

Agricultural production and productivity both are the need of the hour, the secretary has said, adding the ministry will further deliberate on the ideas and strategies discussed during the sessions. Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries Subrata Gupta highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and value addition to ensure sustainable export growth.