Overview The APEDA participated in the 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, held from 10‑14 March at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The pavilion brought together exporters, state agencies and industry stakeholders to project India’s growing agri‑food export basket. Key Developments Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal noted that agricultural and processed‑food exports have crossed ₹5 lakh crore annually, placing India among the world’s top exporters. Recent FTAs with the UAE, Australia, Switzerland, EFTA nations and ongoing talks with Canada and the EU are expanding market access to nearly two‑thirds of global trade. APEDA released research reports on cucumber, cashew, pineapple and pomegranate in collaboration with ICRIER . Launch of packaging design solutions and technical standards for GI‑tagged and organic products, developed with the IIP , covering items such as Karbi Anglong Ginger and Jalgaon Banana. Showcasing of Basmati & non‑Basmati rice, organic produce and emerging plant‑based foods, with live wet‑sampling sessions by a renowned chef. Important Facts Exhibition area: 2,500 sq m with >100 exhibitors (exporters, startups, producer organisations). Visitor footfall: > 1 lakh over five days. State participation: 18 states, each presenting region‑specific products. Key export segments highlighted: Basmati rice, organic products, plant‑based alternatives. UPSC Relevance Understanding APEDA’s role helps answer GS III questions on export promotion mechanisms, the impact of FTAs on agricultural trade, and the significance of GI tagging for rural economies. The emphasis on plant‑based and organic foods aligns with sustainability and nutrition themes in GS II and GS III. Way Forward Leverage new FTAs to negotiate lower tariffs for high‑value agri‑products, especially organic and plant‑based items. Scale up GI‑based packaging standards through IIP collaborations to enhance shelf‑life and market appeal. Encourage state governments to develop export‑ready clusters, integrating research from bodies like ICRIER for product‑specific strategies. Promote capacity‑building for MSMEs in value addition, packaging, and compliance with international standards. Through its robust presence at AAHAR 2026, APEDA signalled India’s readiness to capture higher shares in global agri‑food markets, a development that directly influences trade policy, rural livelihoods and food security – core areas of the UPSC syllabus.