Raipur : The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has opened its regional office in Raipur, marking a key step in Chhattisgarh’s efforts to expand agricultural and processed food exports. The office was inaugurated during the 2nd India International Rice Summit held in the state, in the presence of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and other senior officials.
Chhattisgarh has steadily emerged as a state with strong export potential, supported by its diverse agricultural base. It is known for premium non-basmati rice varieties, including Geographical Indication tagged Jeeraphool Rice and Nagri Dubraj Rice. The state also produces a wide range of fruits and vegetables such as guava, banana, dragon fruit, jackfruit, custard apple, tomato and cucumber. In addition, minor forest produce like mahua, tamarind, herbal and medicinal plants offers further scope for tapping international markets.
The new APEDA office in Raipur is expected to play a practical role in supporting farmers, farmer producer organisations, cooperatives and exporters. Its services will include export registration, advisory and technical support, market intelligence, certification assistance, infrastructure-related guidance and market linkage facilitation. The office has already assisted in exporting fortified rice kernels from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea, highlighting its operational relevance from the outset.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the initiative as a mission to connect the state’s farmers with global markets. He said Chhattisgarh’s farmers, exporters and entrepreneurs have the capacity to compete internationally and expressed confidence that the state would become a leader in high-value and sustainable agricultural exports. He also thanked Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal for approving the APEDA office following the state government’s request, and assured full cooperation in promoting agricultural and organic exports.
The Raipur office was inaugurated alongside the second edition of the India International Rice Summit, organised by the Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh in collaboration with APEDA and partner organisations. The summit also saw the conclusion of a two-day Chintan Shivir, which focused on promoting organic rice exports and identifying ways to boost shipments of non-basmati and GI-tagged rice varieties from India.
