Government Strengthens Commitment to Streamlining Logistics and Expanding Global Market Access for Indian Agri and Processed Food Exports

In a strong affirmation of the government’s focus on agricultural export growth, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized the commitment to dismantling logistical bottlenecks and enhancing international market access for Indian agricultural and processed food products. He was addressing a high-level “Chintan Shivir” organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in New Delhi.

Barthwal highlighted the critical role of innovation and sustainability, underscoring the need for academic and research institutions to actively engage in cross-sectoral consultations. “Research and development must become a cornerstone of our strategy for agri-export growth,” he noted, urging a forward-looking approach that balances productivity with long-term resilience.

He further stated that boosting both agricultural production and productivity is essential for India to strengthen its position in global food trade. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reiterated its dedication to further exploring and operationalizing the strategies discussed during the deliberations.

The Chintan Shivir served as a dynamic platform for policy dialogue, bringing together senior representatives from central and state governments, trade experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from the agriculture and processed food sectors. The goal: to collectively chart a roadmap for scaling India’s agri-export potential.

The inaugural session was co-chaired by Sunil Barthwal and Subrata Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), and saw participation from key dignitaries including Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal (Department of Commerce), Additional Secretary Varsha Joshi (Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying), among other senior officials.

In his remarks, Subrata Gupta emphasized the importance of robust infrastructure and value addition in ensuring sustainable export-led growth. He called for improved sanitary and phytosanitary standards aligned with global benchmarks, along with integrated efforts between Union and State governments and industry stakeholders. Gupta also spotlighted promising export segments such as alcoholic beverages, nutraceuticals, and other high-value processed food categories.

Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, stressed the importance of cohesive collaboration among government bodies, industry leaders, and farming communities. “A unified, synergistic approach is vital to unlocking new global markets for India’s agricultural and value-added products,” he said.

The consultative platform marks a significant step toward realizing India’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for high-quality agricultural and processed food exports.