Apeda figures low in fiscal support

Comparatively modest expenses on salaries and establishment could be a reason

- SANJEEB MUKHERJEE

As India looks to sign bilateral trade agreements with countries across the globe, the latest being with Israel, an analysis of the budgets of its agriculture-centric trade-promotion bodies shows that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), which handles the highest amount of farm export, has got the least increase in budgetary support over the last decade.

Such bodies play a vital role in trade negotiations. Apeda, according to trade estimates, exported agricultural products worth around 2.08 trillion in 2023-34 (FY24).

One reason for low budgetary support could be that a significant part of the funds that boards other Apeda, such as the Coffee Board or Spices Board, get is spent on salaries and maintaining the establishment, according to their Budget documents and Annual Reports.