Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme

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Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme Of APEDA

Agriculture And Processed Foods Export: The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) stands as a pivotal initiative by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aimed at bolstering the export capabilities of agricultural and processed food products. This scheme, operative from 2021-22 to 2025-26, endeavors to extend crucial support to exporters, facilitating their journey amidst various challenges and steering them towards the fulfillment of APEDA’s objectives.

Overview table of Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme Of APEDA

Scheme Component	Description
Development of Export Infrastructure	– Establishment of post-harvest handling facilities. – Provision of infrastructure such as packhouse facilities, pre-cooling units, and pre-shipment treatment facilities. – Support for processing facilities addressing gaps in equipment and technology for food safety and quality requirements.
Quality Development	– Certification assistance for quality and food safety management systems. – Harmonization with international standards and adoption of global practices. – Utilization of advanced technologies for traceability systems.
Market Development	– Conducting feasibility studies for new market/product development. – Providing assistance for trial shipments and brand registration/IPR. – Tailoring benefits and components as per the discretion of APEDA.
Eligibility	– APEDA registered exporters. – Certification bodies accredited under NPOP. – State agencies, trade bodies, government agencies, and agricultural cooperatives. – Additional benefits for exporters belonging to marginalized segments such as SC/ST, women beneficiaries, and those operating in challenging geographical regions.
Benefits	– Financial assistance of up to 50% of the total cost, subject to specific ceilings and conditions outlined by APEDA. – Additional benefits for marginalized exporters. – Equitable access to benefits across scheme components. – Assistance tailored to meet specific requirements of each scheme component.
Application Process	– Streamlined online application platform provided by APEDA. – Comprehensive documentation required, including detailed project reports, certificates of incorporation/registration, annual financial statements, permissions from relevant statutory bodies, quotations from suppliers, approvals from lending institutions, drawings and layout diagrams approved by certified engineers, and appraisal notes from lending institutions or competent authorities.
Conclusion	The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) by APEDA empowers agricultural exporters to tap into global markets effectively through infrastructure development, quality enhancement, and market expansion initiatives. It fosters sustainable development and global competitiveness in India’s agricultural export sector.

Understanding the Scheme

The FAS operates through three primary avenues, namely, Development of Export Infrastructure, Quality Development, and Market Development, each meticulously designed to address specific needs and hurdles encountered by agri-exporters.

Development of Export Infrastructure

Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in fostering the growth of agro-industries and enhancing the export potential of agricultural commodities, APEDA has earmarked a significant segment of the FAS towards the development of export infrastructure. This component encompasses both fresh produce and processed food products, aiming to mitigate losses due to spoilage and ensure the quality production of agro-products. The key highlights of this scheme component include:

Establishment of post-harvest handling facilities.
Provision of infrastructure such as packhouse facilities, pre-cooling units, and pre-shipment treatment facilities.
Support for processing facilities addressing gaps in equipment and technology for food safety and quality requirements.

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Quality Development

Compliance with international food safety standards is paramount for engaging in international trade. The Quality Development scheme under FAS focuses on implementing and certifying quality and food safety management systems, harmonizing with global standards, and adopting technologies for enhanced traceability systems. Noteworthy features of this scheme include:

Certification assistance for quality and food safety management systems.
Harmonization with international standards and adoption of global practices.
Utilization of advanced technologies for traceability systems.

Market Development

Under the Market Development component, APEDA endeavors to explore new markets and products while bolstering existing ones. This segment encompasses various initiatives such as conducting feasibility studies, assisting in trial shipments, and supporting brand registration/IPR outside India. The key aspects of this scheme include:

Conducting feasibility studies for new market/product development.
Providing assistance for trial shipments and brand registration/IPR.
Tailoring benefits and components as per the discretion of APEDA.

Eligibility and Benefits

The beneficiaries under the FAS encompass a diverse spectrum, ranging from APEDA registered exporters to governmental agencies, trade bodies, and individual farmers. The benefits offered by the scheme are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each scheme component, ensuring equitable access and impactful outcomes.

Eligible entities include APEDA registered exporters, certification bodies accredited under NPOP, state agencies, trade bodies, government agencies, and various agricultural cooperatives.
Benefits encompass financial assistance of up to 50% of the total cost, subject to specific ceilings and conditions outlined by APEDA.
Additional benefits are extended for exporters belonging to marginalized segments such as SC/ST, women beneficiaries, and those operating in challenging geographical regions.

Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme Of APEDA Apply Online and Documentation

The application process for availing assistance under the FAS is streamlined through an online platform provided by APEDA. Applicants are required to furnish comprehensive documentation, duly certified and attested, outlining project details, financial viability, and compliance with regulatory standards. Key documents required include:

Detailed project reports, certificates of incorporation/registration, and annual financial statements.
Permissions from relevant statutory bodies, quotations from suppliers, and approvals from lending institutions.
Drawings and layout diagrams approved by certified engineers, along with appraisal notes from lending institutions or competent authorities.

Conclusion: Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme Of APEDA

The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) by APEDA stands as a beacon of support for agricultural exporters, empowering them to navigate through challenges and tap into global markets effectively. With its focused approach towards infrastructure development, quality enhancement, and market expansion, the FAS is poised to catalyze growth and innovation in India’s agricultural export sector, fostering sustainable development and global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What is the Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA?

Ans: The Agriculture And Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA, commonly referred to as the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), is a crucial initiative aimed at bolstering the export capabilities of agricultural and processed food products. Operative from 2021-22 to 2025-26, it provides support to exporters to navigate challenges and achieve APEDA’s objectives.

Q2) How does the FAS operate?

Ans: The FAS operates through three primary avenues: Development of Export Infrastructure, Quality Development, and Market Development. Each avenue addresses specific needs of agri-exporters, including infrastructure enhancement, quality assurance, and market expansion.

Q3) Who is eligible to benefit from the FAS?

Ans: Beneficiaries of the FAS include APEDA registered exporters, certification bodies accredited under NPOP, state agencies, trade bodies, government agencies, agricultural cooperatives, and individual farmers. Additional benefits are provided to marginalized segments such as SC/ST, women beneficiaries, and those operating in challenging geographical regions.

Q4) What are the key components of the FAS?

Ans: The key components of the FAS include:
Development of Export Infrastructure: Supporting infrastructure for post-harvest handling, packhouse facilities, and processing facilities.
Quality Development: Certification assistance, harmonization with international standards, and adoption of advanced technologies for traceability.
Market Development: Conducting feasibility studies, assisting in trial shipments, and supporting brand registration/IPR outside India.

Q5) How can one apply for assistance under the FAS?

Ans: The application process for availing assistance under the FAS is streamlined through an online platform provided by APEDA. Applicants need to submit comprehensive documentation, including detailed project reports, certificates of incorporation/registration, permissions from relevant statutory bodies, quotations from suppliers, and approvals from lending institutions, among others.

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