APEDA introduced BHARATI in 2025 to help 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups through support in innovation and the growth of export capabilities in India. The project is in line with the national goal of having agri-food exports of 50 billion in 2030.
About BHARATI
BHARATI, abbreviated Bharat Hub Agritech, resilience, advancement and incubation of export enablement, will foster fast-tracking of startups in the agricultural and food processing business. The programme targets export preparedness, market access and technological innovation as a supplement to the already available incubation activities. Pilot started in September 2025 with 100 chosen startups.
Areas of focus and technology adoption.
The program focuses on high end products like GI-tagged products, organic foods, super foods, AYUSH products and livestock products. It also advances AI-based quality control, traceability through blockchain, cold chains with IoT and agri-fintech. BHARATI promotes also the use of sustainable packaging and the optimal logistics to minimize wastage during shipping.
Overcoming Export Competition.
BHARATI assists startups to overcome product development, quality assurance, perishability, and logistical challenges. It promotes the cooperation between innovators, tech providers, and exporters to adhere to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), to improve the competitiveness of India in the international markets.
Consistency with Government Programs.
The programme promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India and Start-Up India. It seeks to develop internationally competitive agri-products and innovation in food processing that is demand based.
Partnering and implementation.
The project is a national awareness program to draw startups. Chosen respondents are taken through a three months acceleration programme on export preparedness, compliance to regulations, and market entry. To enhance the startup ecosystem, APEDA is working with state agricultural boards, premier institutions such as IITs and NITs, industry bodies and accelerators.
Future Outlook
The pilot cohort will be developed to serve as a prototype of an incubation programme that can be run annually on a larger scale, resulting in ongoing innovation and consistent export growth. APEDA focuses on leveraging the entrepreneurship of youths in India through BHARATI to transform the country into a leading agri-food destination in the world.