Question : Implementation of Agri Export Policy

(a) whether there is any proposal to adopt a focused approach for ensuring greater involvement of the State Governments for effective implementation of Agri Export Policy (AEP);
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has requested the States to finalize action plan for AEP with the aim to double such exports;
(d) if so, the response of States thereto along with the current status of the action plan in other States; and
(e) the corrective steps so far taken to expedite the formulation and implementation of AEP?

THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a& b) : The Government has introduced a comprehensive Agriculture Export Policy (AEP), which inter-alia aims at greater involvement of the State Governments in promoting agricultural exports. Involvement of the States has been envisaged in the following:

i. Inclusion of Agri Export Policy in the State Export Policy.
ii. Identification of State Nodal Agency for promotion of agri exports.
iii. To set up institutional mechanism at State and Cluster level by forming Committees to support exports
iv. Infrastructure and logistics to facilitate agricultural exports

(c& d): Yes, Sir. Department of Commerce has requested all the State Governments and UTs to finalize their action plan for AEP with aim to double agriculture exports. Eight States have finalised the State specific Action Plans. 25 States and 2 UTs have designated nodal agencies to promote agricultural exports. 16 States have constituted State Level Monitoring Committees.

(e): To monitor the implementation of the AEP, an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been formed. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has held a series of meetings with states and stakeholders, convened national workshops, made field visits, identified existing infrastructure gaps in the clusters/states, organised buyer-seller meets, launched farmer connect portal on its website, opened market intelligence cell etc., for expediting the implementation of AEP.
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