The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Government of Odisha jointly organized a workshop and capacity building program aimed at increasing the export of agricultural products from Odisha. The event took place at Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Hall, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, on April 25, 2025.
The workshop featured over 10 stalls showcasing Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), women agripreneurs, government departments, and exporters from across the state. A variety of geographical indication (GI) tagged and specialty products were exhibited, including Koraput Kalajeera Rice, Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal, Ganjam Kewda Flower Products, Koraput Coffee, Kandhamal Haldi Powder, Kendrapara Rasabali, Salepur Rasagolla, Khajuri Gud, Dhenkanal Magaji Ladoo, and Mayurbhanj Kai Chutney.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture of Odisha, Kanak Bardhan Singh Deo, addressed the gathering, highlighting the state's efforts to promote organic and GI-tagged agricultural exports. He encouraged stakeholders to leverage the state's rich variety of products for the global market and praised APEDA's active support in enhancing Odisha's agricultural exports.
The event included three technical sessions focused on improving the export landscape. These discussions covered the promotion of organic exports under the revised National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), strategies for boosting rice exports by improving logistics and market access, and the importance of value addition in agri-processed and GI-tagged products.
More than 400 participants attended the workshop, including officials from various state departments, representatives from OUAT, FPOs, Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and progressive farmers. Additionally, APEDA organized a special interaction with over 30 organic grower groups and certification bodies to discuss updates related to the new 8th Edition of the NPOP, which was launched earlier this year.
Member of Parliament Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi emphasized the significance of the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative and the utilization of the Agri-Infra Fund to boost exports, linking it to the broader vision of achieving a developed India by 2047.
Abhishek Dev, the Chairman of APEDA, highlighted the immense potential for organic exports in the state and assured continued support through future programs and trade fairs.
The workshop successfully brought together key policymakers, industry experts, and academicians to lay the groundwork for a stronger agricultural export ecosystem in Odisha.
