APEDA Boosts Millet Exports

• 02 Apr 2025
• 568 Views

To raise awareness about millets, encourage their use, and promote their exports, the Department of Commerce, through the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), arranged trade shows, exhibitions, and the Millet Conclave. 

A variety of activities were carried out in close collaboration with Indian Embassies/Missions and Government departments as part of the International Year of Millets 2023. These activities included international buyer-seller meetings, millet galleries, sampling events, and participation in international trade fairs with a millet theme. 

APEDA participates in important domestic and international fairs where millets are one of the main emphasis areas for improved branding and publicity. 

In short: 

• APEDA organizes trade shows, exhibitions, and international events to promote millet awareness, consumption, and exports.

• The government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to promote chemical-free agriculture and expand exports of certified natural products.

• Key initiatives to boost agricultural exports include diversifying products, expanding to new markets, enhancing branding, promoting organic exports, and linking FPOs/SHGs to the export chain

• The government engages in bilateral talks, negotiates Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and addresses trade barriers through WTO discussions.

Promoting Natural Farming for Safe and Healthy Food

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), a stand-alone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, was established by the Indian government to promote natural farming nationwide. 

In order to ensure that everyone has access to safe and wholesome food, NMNF works to promote natural agricultural methods. Judging from the availability of certified-natural products and the global trend of rising demand for chemical-free and healthful produce, there is a lot of room for India's natural products for overseas promotion. 

Key Initiatives to Boost Agricultural Exports

The government is implementing targeted initiatives to establish India as a key agricultural exporter. These initiatives include:

• Diversifying India's agricultural export basket with new products.

• Expanding exports to new international markets.

• Increasing exports from emerging producing regions.

• Strengthening branding and promotion of Indian agricultural products.

• Enhancing export earnings through value-added agricultural exports.

• Boosting organic product exports.

• Providing training and capacity-building programs for producers and stakeholders to ensure quality compliance and adherence to importing countries’ phyto-sanitary requirements.

• Developing Sea Protocols to enhance exports of perishable horticultural produce.

• Connecting Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) to the export value chain.

• Expanding market access through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and engagement with trading partners.

Strengthening Trade Relations and Overcoming Barriers

The government is actively participating in intense bilateral conversations with the different importing nations to ensure market access and to resolve trade barriers in order to increase the export of Indian agricultural products and shield exporters from protectionist trade practices. 

Additionally, the government holds bilateral talks with importing nations to ensure market access, resolve trade barriers, and boost agricultural exports. It negotiates duty-free or concessional access through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 

Bilateral meetings address Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Unresolved issues are raised as Specific Trade Concerns (STCs) at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Source: PIB