{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} An '''Agri Export Zone''' ('''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.<ref name="APEDA_AEZ_def">{{cite web|title=AGRI EXPORT ZONES|url=https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/Home/aboutagriexchange|publisher=Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry|access-date=17 June 2025 }}</ref>
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.<ref name="DGFT68">{{cite web |title=Public Notice No. 68(RE-2001)/1997-2002 |url=https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/pn6801.pdf |publisher=Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) |date=8 February 2002 |access-date=17 June 2025 |format=PDF}}</ref> == Background == The Agri Export Zone (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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agri Export Zones in Various States |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=121488 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref> The zones aimed to streamline the export process from farm to foreign markets by addressing constraints in areas such as production, storage, processing, certification, and logistics.<ref name="VP">{{cite web |title=Agri Export Zones |url=https://en.vikaspedia.in/viewcontent/agriculture/market-information/agri-export-zones |website=Vikaspedia |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref>
== Implementation == The implementation of the scheme involved coordination between State Governments, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and other central and state agencies.<ref name="PIB01">{{cite web |title=Agri Export Zones – 20 Years of Review |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=186993 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |date=2019-01-10 |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="APEDA">{{cite web |title=Market Report on AEZs |url=https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/Reports/Marketreport/Market |publisher=APEDA |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref> AEZs were selected based on the concentration of specific crops, export potential, and the availability or development of infrastructure.<ref name="APEDA"/>
By 2005, over 60 AEZs had been notified for various agricultural products, including:<ref name="PIB01"/> * Mangoes - Andhra Pradesh * Litchis - Bihar * Pineapples - Tripura<ref name="APEDA"/> * Basmati rice - Punjab and Haryana
Support was provided in areas such as infrastructure development, quality certification, training, and marketing.<ref name="VP"/>
== Performance and evaluation == While the AEZs contributed to export promotion and infrastructure development in the initial years, several challenges were reported. According to a report by the Planning Commission of India, many AEZs lacked long-term sustainability. Institutional coordination was limited, and several private stakeholders exited after the initial incentive phase ended.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sud |first=Surinder |title=What’s Plaguing Agri Export Zones? |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/surinder-sud-what-s-plaguing-agri-export-zones-107061901037_1.html |website=Business Standard |date=19 June 2007 |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref>
== Discontinuation and legacy == In 2015, the Government of India formally discontinued the AEZ scheme.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agri Export Zones |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/agri-export-zones-115050801309_1.html |website=Business Standard |date=8 May 2015 |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref> However, the experience from the initiative contributed to the development of subsequent policy frameworks, including: * The '''Districts as Export Hubs''' initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry<ref name="PIB">{{cite web |title=Boost to Agricultural Exports |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1988824 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |date=5 April 2023 |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref> * The '''PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan''', which integrates logistics and infrastructure planning for export facilitation<ref name="PIB"/>
Although no longer officially designated, several AEZs continue to function under different schemes and institutional frameworks, contributing to agricultural exports.<ref name="PIB"/>
== See also == * Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority * Economy of India * Foreign trade of India
==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== [https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/trade_promotion/Agri_Export_Zone.htm Agri Export Zone of India]
Category:Special economic zones Category:Agriculture in India