Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Deeksha Dixit7 May, 2025
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APEDA, officially known as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, is a government body. It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was created to promote the export of scheduled products. These include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, and processed food items.
APEDA helps exporters understand international trade standards. It organises food fairs and buyer-seller meets. It aims to increase India's share in the global food market. Read on to learn more about the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)!
What is APEDA?
India is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world. To promote agricultural exports and processed food products, the government formed a special body, known as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). It helps farmers, exporters, and food producers and ensures that Indian food products meet international standards. Here is an overview of the APEDA organisation:
| APEDA Overview | |
| APEDA Full Form | Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) |
| APEDA Established As | Statutory body under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985 |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Commerce & Industry |
| Main Objective | Promotion and development of the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products |
| Key Functions | Registration of exporters (RCMC issuance), Export promotion, Market intelligence, Training and capacity building, Financial assistance for infrastructure and certification. |
| Products Covered | Fresh & processed fruits and vegetables, meat & poultry, dairy, seafood, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, organic products, floriculture, and more. |
| Registration Requirement | Mandatory for businesses exporting scheduled products; not required for domestic trade. |
| Registration Process | Online application via APEDA portal, submission of documents, payment of fee, and issuance of Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). |
| Support to Exporters | Market reports, training, financial aid, certification, infrastructure support, helpline. |
| Compliance | Adherence to APEDA quality and export standards; periodic reporting required. |
| Revocation | Registration can be canceled for non-compliance with APEDA rules and guidelines. |
| Website | https://apeda.gov.in/ |
APEDA History
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was originally established in 1985 under the APEDA Act passed by the Parliament. The main goal was to replace the earlier Export Inspection Council and create a focused body to develop and promote exports of agricultural products.
This act came into force on 13 February 1986 and replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). Since its formation, APEDA has played a key role in India’s export journey. It has helped many Indian products gain international recognition. From promoting mango exports to supporting basmati rice standards, APEDA has been instrumental in many success stories.
APEDA Logo
The logo of the APEDA features a green leaf and a grain. This represents agriculture and growth. The design reflects APEDA’s focus on natural, fresh, and organic products. The logo shows APEDA's commitment to healthy food and environmental sustainability. It also symbolises India's rich farming traditions. Over time, this logo has become a mark of trust for many exporters and buyers.
APEDA Headquarters
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has its main headquarters in New Delhi. From here, it controls and manages its operations across the country. The office coordinates with state-level bodies, exporters, and training centres. APEDA also has regional offices in:
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Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
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Bengaluru (Karnataka)
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Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
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Chandigarh
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Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
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Guwahati (Assam)
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Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)
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Kochi (Kerala)
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Kolkata (West Bengal)
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Ladakh
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Mumbai (Maharashtra)
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Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
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Telangana (Secunderabad)
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Tripura (Agartala)
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Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
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Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
These offices help exporters locally by providing services, support, and guidance.
APEDA Roles and Functions
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has several important roles and functions. These help boost the export of food and agricultural products from India. Here are some of its key responsibilities:
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Promotion of Exports: APEDA promotes the export of scheduled products through ads, trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets.
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Quality Control: It sets quality standards and ensures the products meet global requirements.
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Financial Assistance: APEDA provides support for packaging, labelling, infrastructure, and quality testing.
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Registration of Exporters: Exporters of scheduled products must register with APEDA.
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Training and Workshops: It organises training programs to educate farmers and exporters.
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Support for Research: APEDA funds research in food processing and packaging technologies.
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Market Development: It explores new markets and builds international connections.
Besides the above functions, it works with international bodies to improve India’s reputation in global food trade, ensuring food safety, innovation, and sustainability.
National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is one of the major initiatives managed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. This program was launched to promote organic farming and develop standards for organic food production.
The NPOP sets guidelines for the production, certification, and labelling of organic products. It also supports organic farmers and helps them get certified. The certification ensures that their products can be sold in both Indian and global markets. Once certified, the farmers can label their products as “Organic India,” making them attractive for export.
In conclusion, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is an essential part of India's agricultural export system. It supports farmers, helps exporters, and ensures quality.
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APEDA FAQs
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What is Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)?
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