Will APEDA’s New Office in Raipur Boost Agri Exports and Empower Farmers?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has officially opened a new regional office in Raipur, aiming to enhance agricultural and processed food exports from Chhattisgarh. This state is poised for significant export growth, particularly with its premium non-basmati rice varieties and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products like Jeeraphool Rice and Nagri Dubraj Rice.
As per the Commerce Ministry, Chhattisgarh also cultivates an array of fruits and vegetables such as guava, banana, dragon fruit, jackfruit, custard apple, tomato, and cucumber, in addition to valuable forest products like mahua, tamarind, and various medicinal plants. This diverse agricultural landscape presents strong opportunities for expanding its footprint in international markets.
An official statement emphasized that establishing the APEDA office marks a crucial development in positioning Chhattisgarh as a pivotal center for agricultural and processed food exports.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that the opening of the APEDA Regional Office signifies a commitment to integrate Chhattisgarh’s farmers into the global economy. He underscored the capabilities of the state’s farmers, exporters, and entrepreneurs within global agricultural markets, asserting that Chhattisgarh will emerge as a leader in high-value, sustainable agricultural exports.
CM Sai extended gratitude to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal for approving the establishment of the APEDA office in Chhattisgarh, based on the state government's request, and pledged full support to APEDA and the Department of Commerce in boosting exports of agricultural and organic products.
The inauguration of the APEDA Regional Office coincided with the second edition of the India International Rice Summit, organized by the Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh in partnership with APEDA and other organizations.
According to a statement from the Commerce Ministry, the establishment of the APEDA Regional Office in Raipur is a significant milestone for the agrarian economy of Chhattisgarh.
This new office will support farmers, producer groups, cooperatives, and exporters by offering services such as export registration, advisory support, market intelligence, certification assistance, export facilitation, infrastructure development, and market linkage support.