In its continuous endeavor to boost agricultural exports, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has crafted a well-detailed procedure to claim advantages under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme. This initiative was first announced in March 2019 by the Department of Commerce of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The primary purpose is to offer financial support for transportation and marketing of agricultural products. This encouragement is to enhance the export of such commodities to specific regions in Europe and North America.
Variety in Assistance Levels
The level of assistance would be variable and based on different regions as notified periodically for the export of eligible products. The scheme is also unique in offering coverage for both sea and air freight, along with marketing assistance for exports.
Objective of The Scheme
TMA scheme’s main objective is to provide aid for the international component of freight and marketing of agricultural produce. Its secondary goals include mitigating the disadvantage of the higher cost of export transportation due to trans-shipment and promoting brand recognition for Indian agricultural products in the specified overseas markets.
Coverage & Eligibility For The Scheme
The scheme extends its coverage to all exporters who are duly registered with the relevant Export Promotion Council as per the Foreign Trade Policy. These exporters should be involved with the eligible agriculture products to fall under this scheme. The scheme’s applicability period would be specified from time to time, and currently, it covers exports from March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020.
Agriculture Export Policy 2018
The government approved an agriculture export policy in 2018 aimed at doubling the shipments to USD 60 billion by 2022. This policy primarily focusses on enhancing the exports of agricultural commodities such as tea, coffee, and rice to increase India’s share in global agri-trade.
About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a significant participant in realizing the agricultural strengths of India and expanding the export potential of Indian agricultural and food products. APEDA is a non-trading, statutory body established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December 1985.
| Key Facts about APEDA | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1985 |
| Type | Non-Trading, Statutory Body |
| Main Function | Expand Export Potential of Indian Agricultural and Food Products |
Impact of APEDA in India
APEDA has successfully established its presence in nearly all agriculture potential states of India. It provides services to the agri-export community through its head office in New Delhi, five regional offices, and 13 virtual offices. In 2017, APEDA rolled out a mobile app called “Farmer Connect,” enabling farmers to apply online for farm registration, track the status of applications & approvals by the State Government, and observe lab sampling by authorized Laboratories. This move has digitized and streamlined the process of farm registrations and tracking applications, contributing significantly to the agri-export aspect.