Why in the News?
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.
About BHARATI Initiative:
- Launched by: APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) in September 2025.
- Purpose: To incubate and empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups, making them export-ready.
- Target: Support APEDA’s vision of reaching US$ 50 billion (₹4.4 lakh crore) in agri-food exports by 2030.
- Focus Areas: Export enablement, innovation, incubation, and addressing challenges like perishability, logistics, quality compliance, and sustainability.
- Policy Alignment: Linked to Atmanirbhar Bharat, Start-Up India, Vocal for Local, and Digital India.
Key Features:
- Targeted Products: GI-tagged items, organic foods, superfoods, AYUSH products, processed foods, livestock-based products.
- Technology Integration: AI-based quality control, blockchain-enabled traceability, IoT-based cold chains, and agri-fintech solutions.
- Acceleration Model: 3-month programme to build export readiness, ensuring compliance with international food safety and quality standards.
- Partnership Ecosystem: Collaboration with state boards, IITs/NITs, universities, industry bodies, and accelerators.
- Scalability: Designed for annual expansion, gradually increasing the number of supported startups.
| [UPSC 2011] With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”?
1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry. 2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage. 3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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