As part of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’s (APEDA) acceleration programme, 100 startups from 22 states and two Union Territories have successfully finished the initiative. The programme, known as BHARATI, aims to boost innovation-led growth in India’s agri-food export sector.
The inaugural cohort of startups was carefully selected from over 700 applications across the country. These startups, ranging from entrepreneurs aged 17 to 75, underwent a 120-hour export-focused acceleration programme. The structured programme covered various aspects including export preparedness, market access, business scaling, regulatory compliance, packaging, branding, and investor readiness.
The startups also received one-to-one mentorship, attended masterclasses by industry experts, and engaged with various stakeholders. This interaction allowed them to explore commercial partnerships, strengthen market linkages, and enhance their readiness for exports. APEDA facilitated the participation of the top eight startups at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, providing them with exposure to global buyers and facilitating B2B engagements.
Under the BHARATI initiative, startups have made significant progress in advancing innovation-led agri-export solutions within just three months. For instance, collaborations led to the export of GI-tagged Jardalu mangoes to Dubai and nutraceutical-based millet products to New Zealand. Additionally, a Maharashtra-based company exported GI-tagged fig juice and jamun-based juice to the US and the UK, receiving repeat orders.
A Karnataka-based startup, supported by a network of over 1,600 farmers, exported organic products to various countries. These successes have prompted APEDA to plan the next edition of the BHARATI Programme to further support startups in the agri-food export sector.
