India aims to boost agri-exports amid trade talks with US, EU

Amid ongoing discussions with the US and Europe on a free trade agreement, Union Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing logistical barriers and expanding market access for Indian agricultural and processed food products.

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Barthwal was speaking at a ‘chintan shivir’ (contemplation camp) organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

He stressed that both agricultural production and productivity are critical, and called for the involvement of academia and research institutions in multisectoral consultations to promote innovation and sustainability in agri-exports through focused research and development.

Subrata Gupta, Secretary in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), emphasised the need for infrastructure development and value addition to drive sustainable export growth. He identified key areas of potential in processed food exports, including alcoholic beverages, nutraceuticals and value-added products.

The ‘chintan shivir’ marked the first collaborative dialogue of its kind, facilitated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and APEDA. Over 70 stakeholders participated in the inaugural session, including representatives from the Union Government and state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.