Agri Export Zone
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Through Agriculture, Industry (economics) and Export
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.
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. 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.
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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. AEZs were selected based on the concentration of specific crops, export potential, and the availability or development of infrastructure.
By 2005, over 60 AEZs had been notified for various agricultural products, including:
- Mangoes - Andhra Pradesh
- Litchis - Bihar
- Pineapples - Tripura
- Basmati rice - Punjab and Haryana
Support was provided in areas such as infrastructure development, quality certification, training, and marketing.
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.
Discontinuation and legacy
In 2015, the Government of India formally discontinued the AEZ scheme. 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
- The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which integrates logistics and infrastructure planning for export facilitation
Although no longer officially designated, several AEZs continue to function under different schemes and institutional frameworks, contributing to agricultural exports.