In a significant step towards empowering farmers and boosting agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Government of Odisha organized a Workshop cum Capacity Building Programme on April 25, 2025, at Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Hall, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar. The event, aimed at strengthening the agri-export ecosystem in Odisha, witnessed a heartening participation from all corners of the state.
The gathering saw an inspiring showcase of Odisha’s rich agricultural heritage, with over 10 stalls presented by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), women agripreneurs, government departments, and exporters. Visitors were treated to the vibrant diversity of Odisha’s produce, including GI-tagged treasures like Koraput Kalajeera Rice, Nayagad Kanteimundi Brinjal, Ganjam Kewda Flower Products, Koraput Coffee, Kandhamal Haldi Powder, and traditional sweets such as Kendrapada Rasabali and Salepur Rasagolla.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture Shri Kanak Bardhan Singh Deo emphasized the State Government’s dedicated efforts in increasing agricultural exports, particularly focusing on organic products. He called upon exporters to champion the promotion of Odisha’s unique offerings in the global market and lauded the vital collaboration between APEDA and the State Government in realizing this shared vision.
The day featured three insightful technical sessions, each touching upon critical aspects of agri-exports. Experts discussed the promotion of organic exports under the revised National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), strategies to bolster rice exports by harnessing Odisha’s distinctive varieties, and opportunities to add value and promote GI-tagged and agri-processed products. Emphasis was laid on strengthening logistics, cold chain infrastructure, and forging stronger market linkages to make Odisha a formidable force in agricultural exports.
More than 400 stakeholders, including officials from various state departments, OUAT, FPOs, FPCs, and progressive farmers, came together for the programme, highlighting the community’s overwhelming support and commitment to this vital cause. On the sidelines, APEDA also hosted an important stakeholder interaction with over 30 organic grower groups and certification bodies to address the latest revisions under NPOP’s 8th edition and to ensure growers were well-informed and confident moving forward.
Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, Member of Parliament and Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing, passionately spoke about leveraging the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and Agri-Infra funds to boost Odisha’s agri-exports. He shared a heartfelt vision that the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 could be realized through a thriving agricultural export sector, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening India’s global presence.
APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, in his welcome address, highlighted Odisha’s vast potential in organic and traditional agriculture, noting the importance of building a strong export-oriented strategy. He assured the participants that APEDA would continue supporting Odisha through more such programs and national and international trade fairs, fostering opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.
The Workshop cum Capacity Building Programme served not just as an exchange of ideas but as a rallying point for Odisha’s farmers, officials, and agri-entrepreneurs to unite in building a brighter, more prosperous future for the state’s agricultural sector.