Source: News on Air
Subject: Economics
Context: Union Minister extended greetings to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on its 40th establishment day.
About 40 Years of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):
What it is?
- APEDA is a statutory export promotion authority established under the APEDA Act, 1985 (Act 2 of 1986) to promote the export of agricultural and processed food products from India. It replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC).
Established In:
- Act passed: December 1985
- Came into effect: 13 February 1986
Administrative Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
Key Functions of APEDA:
- Export Promotion & Market Development: Provides financial assistance, market intelligence, and global branding support to boost agri-exports.
- Registration of Exporters (RCMC): Registers exporters of scheduled products and ensures compliance with export norms.
- Quality Standards & Certification: Fixes export standards and monitors quality, including inspection of meat and processed products.
- Packaging & Value Addition Support: Promotes improved packaging, labeling, and value-added processing to enhance global competitiveness.
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): Acts as Secretariat for certification and regulation of organic exports.
- Data Collection & Trade Statistics: Collects and publishes export data to support policy formulation and trade planning.
- Monitoring Imports of Sugar: Entrusted with oversight of sugar imports.
- Wide Product Coverage: Includes fruits, vegetables, basmati rice, meat, dairy, cereals, honey, guar gum, floriculture, herbal plants, cashew, beverages, and more.
Significance of APEDA:
- Boost to Agricultural Exports: India’s agricultural exports have crossed $50 billion in recent years, with APEDA playing a pivotal facilitative role.
- Farmer Income Enhancement: By opening new international markets, APEDA strengthens rural livelihoods and aligns with the goal of doubling farmers’ income.
