BHARATI Initiative | 03 Sep 2025

Why in News?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched the BHARATI initiative, a significant step aimed at empowering agri-tech and agri-food startups. 

Key Points

• Purpose and Vision: BHARATI, an acronym for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement, seeks to empower 100 startups from the agri-food and agri-tech sectors.
  • The initiative aims to accelerate innovation and create new export opportunities, supporting India's target of reaching $50 billion in agri-food exports for scheduled products by 2030.
• Inaugural Pilot Cohort: The first cohort, set to begin in September 2025, will focus on 100 startups, ranging from high-value agri-food producers to technology-driven service providers and innovators.
  • Startups working on advanced technologies such as AI-based quality control, blockchain traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains, and agri-fintech will be included.
• Focus Areas for Innovation: BHARATI will target high-value agri-food categories such as GI-tagged products, organic foods, superfoods, novel processed agri-foods, livestock products, and AYUSH products.
  • The initiative will also encourage innovative solutions addressing packaging, sustainability, and seafood protocols.
• Export Challenges Addressed: The initiative will focus on resolving key export challenges related to product development, quality assurance, perishability, wastage, and logistics.
  • By fostering a collaborative ecosystem it will provide cost-effective solutions to enhance India's competitiveness in the global agri-food market.
• Collaborative Ecosystem & Partnerships: The initiative will work with state agricultural boards, agricultural universities, premier institutions like IITs and NITs, and industry bodies to attract and support startups.
  • Existing accelerators will also be leveraged to strengthen the ecosystem.
• Support to Startups: A nationwide awareness campaign will engage stakeholders and attract solution-oriented startups.
  • Startups will undergo a three-month acceleration programme focusing on product development, export readiness, regulatory compliance, and market access.
• Alignment with Government Initiatives: The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-Up India initiatives.