The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, which was passed by Parliament in December 1985. This authority replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC) and operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
APEDA's primary objective is to develop and promote the export of scheduled products. These are products specified under the APEDA Act, requiring exporters to register with the authority. Some examples of scheduled products include:
APEDA provides financial assistance, information, and guidelines for the development of these products. Additionally, it is responsible for monitoring the import of sugar.
APEDA also functions as the Secretariat to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for the implementation of accreditation of Certification Bodies under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) to facilitate organic exports.
APEDA's functions include:
APEDA is headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government, with its headquarters located in New Delhi. The authority has established 15 Regional Offices across major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Recently, APEDA launched the BHARATI Startup Challenge, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural and processed food export sector. This initiative encourages export-ready startups by providing mentorship, market access, and policy facilitation.
The top 10 startups selected from the challenge will receive international exposure by participating in prominent events such as Gulfood in Dubai and BIOFACH in Germany. This exposure will help them explore global market opportunities and strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem.
Q1. What is the purpose of APEDA?
Answer: APEDA aims to promote and develop the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, providing necessary support to exporters.
Q2. What products fall under APEDA's scheduled products?
Answer: Scheduled products include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, and several processed food items like confectionery and bakery products.
Q3. How does APEDA support agri-tech startups?
Answer: APEDA supports agri-tech startups through initiatives like the BHARATI Startup Challenge, offering mentorship, market access, and policy facilitation.
Q4. What are the benefits for startups participating in the BHARATI Challenge?
Answer: Startups participating in the BHARATI Challenge can gain international exposure by attending global food expos, enhancing their export capabilities.
Q5. Where is APEDA headquartered?
Answer: APEDA is headquartered in New Delhi, India, and operates through 15 regional offices across the country.
Question 1: What does APEDA stand for?
A) Agricultural Products Export Development Authority
B) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
C) Agricultural and Food Processing Export Development Authority
D) Agricultural Produce Export Development Authority
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which act established APEDA?
A) Agricultural Produce Act
B) Food Processing Act
C) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act
D) Export Development Act
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is one of APEDA's key functions?
A) Setting prices for agricultural products
B) Regulating domestic food sales
C) Improving packaging and marketing of scheduled products
D) Granting loans to farmers
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which initiative does APEDA support for agri-tech startups?
A) Start-Up India
B) BHARATI Startup Challenge
C) Agri-Tech Innovation Program
D) Food Export Initiative
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How many regional offices does APEDA have?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25
Correct Answer: B
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