Tawang, April 12: In a significant move to strengthen agri-exports from India’s North-Eastern Region, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organized an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang. The event was aimed at promoting the unique agricultural produce and processed food products of Arunachal Pradesh in global markets.
Agri-Exports Strategy Led by Chief Minister to Unlock Global Opportunities
Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, in his keynote address, outlined a forward-looking strategy to boost agri-exports from the state. He emphasized the development of agriculture and allied sectors to uplift farmers’ incomes, empower women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and encourage entrepreneurship in rural areas.
He highlighted key exportable products such as GI-tagged Khaw Tai (Khamti) Rice, Kiwi, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Persimmons, and Yak Cheese (Churpi). Shri Khandu urged both domestic and international buyers to explore investment in the region’s high-potential agri-products to strengthen trade with Southeast Asian and ASEAN countries.
Empowering Farmers for Long-Term Agri-Exports Growth
State Agriculture Minister Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu underlined the need for farmer education and market awareness to ensure fair pricing and quality consistency in agri-exports. He applauded the resilience and efforts of local farmers in producing premium crops and value-added products such as wines and walnuts, crucial to positioning Arunachal Pradesh on the global agri-export map.
National Support to Enhance Agri-Exports Infrastructure and Outreach
The conclave witnessed participation from top officials including Chief Secretary Shri Manish Gupta, Former Union Secretary Shri Siraj Hussain, and APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev. Discussions focused on long-term strategies to scale agri-exports from the region through infrastructure development, farmer capacity-building, and global branding.
APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to participate in major international trade fairs. He reaffirmed APEDA’s support in facilitating training, export-readiness, logistics, and branding for agriculture and processed food products from the North-East.
Buyer-Seller Interactions Drive Real-Time Agri-Exports Opportunities
The event brought together 11 international buyers from the UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan, along with 17 Indian exporters from seven states and UTs, including Assam, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Over 50 FPOs and 350+ farmers from Arunachal Pradesh participated in the meet, engaging in real-time discussions around agri-product quality, quantity, and export potential.
Focused trade talks were held around organic produce, millets, honey, fresh fruits, spices, processed foods, and tea—categories identified as high-growth segments for agri-exports from the region.
Government of India Aligns Vision of Viksit North-East with Agri-Exports Mission
The initiative supports Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit North-East.” Ministries including Commerce and Industry, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Development of the North Eastern Region are working closely with APEDA and the Arunachal Pradesh Government to transform the region into a thriving hub for agri-exports.
The International Buyer-Seller Meet marks a key step in unlocking global markets for North-Eastern agri-produce, setting the stage for sustained export growth and economic empowerment across rural communities.
