In September 2025, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) kicked off the BHARATI initiative. This program aims to support 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups, targeting $50 billion in exports by 2030.
BHARATI focuses on innovation and export readiness. It tackles issues like quality, perishability, and logistics, especially for high-value products such as organic foods, livestock, and superfoods. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted how this initiative strengthens India’s export landscape and aligns with key national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
As part of its mission, BHARATI will run a nationwide campaign to find startups using technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT. These advancements can lead to sustainable export growth.
BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement. It offers a three-month acceleration program focused on product development, regulatory compliance, and market access. Through this, startups will explore technologies like AI for quality control, blockchain for traceability, and innovative cold chain solutions. By addressing issues such as product quality and wastage, the initiative aims to greatly enhance export potential.
Working with state agriculture boards and top institutions like IITs and NITs, BHARATI seeks to build a supportive environment for long-term growth.
India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, yet it faces challenges like supply chain inefficiencies that limit its export potential. BHARATI aims to tackle these issues by nurturing startups that offer innovative solutions to improve agriculture and processed food sectors. This initiative aligns with broader government goals like Digital India and Start-Up India, and it hopes to make India more competitive globally.
According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India has the potential to substantially increase its agri-food exports if systemic challenges are addressed. This makes initiatives like BHARATI vital for meeting the ambitious $50 billion target by 2030.
From a social perspective, many users are excited about BHARATI. Online discussions highlight its potential to blend traditional agriculture with modern technology. People hope that this will lead to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future in India.
In a nutshell, BHARATI represents a smart approach to promoting innovation in India’s agriculture sector. By enabling startups and fostering teamwork, it promises not only to improve exports but also ensure a balanced and sustainable growth path for the future.
