Agri Export Zone
An Agri Export Zone or AEZ is a specific geographic region in a country demarcated for setting up agriculture based processing industries, mainly for export. The term is widely used mainly in India.[1]
AEZ are to be identified by the State Government, who would evolve a comprehensive package of services provided by all State Government agencies, State agriculture universities and all institutions and agencies of the Union Government for intensive delivery in these zones. Corporate sector with proven credentials would be encouraged to sponsor new agri export zone or take over already notified agri export zone or part of such zones for boosting agri exports from the zones. Implementation in india 2001.[2]
Background
[edit]The AEZ scheme was launched as part of the Exim Policy 2001–2002 with the objective of adopting an integrated approach to export promotion through public-private partnerships and development of necessary infrastructure.[3] The zones were expected to streamline the export process from "farm to foreign" markets by addressing constraints in production, storage, processing, certification, and logistics.[4]
Implementation
[edit]The implementation involved close coordination between the State Governments, APEDA, and other central and state agencies. AEZs were selected based on concentration of specific crops, export potential, and existing or planned infrastructure.[2]
By 2005, over 60 AEZs were notified for various agricultural products, including:[5]
Support was provided in areas such as infrastructure development, quality certification, training, and marketing.[6]
Performance and Evaluation
[edit]While the AEZs generated initial momentum for exports and infrastructure creation, several challenges emerged. According to a report by the Planning Commission of India, the zones often lacked long-term sustainability. Institutional coordination was weak, and many private partners withdrew after initial incentives were exhausted.[7]
Discontinuation and Legacy
[edit]In 2015, the Government of India formally discontinued the AEZ scheme. However, the learnings from the model influenced subsequent policies such as:
- The Districts as Export Hubs initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry[8]
- The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which integrates logistics and infrastructure planning for exports.[9]
Though no longer formally designated, many AEZs continue to function under different frameworks, contributing to India’s agricultural export ecosystem.[10]
See also
[edit]- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- Economy of India
- Foreign trade of India
References
[edit]- ^ "AGRI EXPORT ZONES". Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Public Notice No. 68(RE-2001)/1997-2002" (PDF). Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). 8 February 2002. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Agri Export Zones: A Conceptual Framework". Press Information Bureau. Government of India. 13 September 2005. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Market Reports – APEDA". Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "performance evaulaution of Agri Export Zones". Press Information Bureau. Government of India. 13 September 2005. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Agri Export Zones". Vikaspedia (Govt of India). Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ Sud, Surinder (19 June 2007). "What's plaguing agri‑export zones?". Business Standard. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Sud, Surinder (19 June 2007). "What's plaguing agri‑export zones?". Business Standard. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "PM GatiShakti National Master Plan to provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones". Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Agri Export Zones". Business Standard (government press release). 8 May 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2025.