In a bid to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on India’s agricultural and processed food export trade, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recently held its second virtual trade show for horticultural products. This event, held from May 27-29 this year, attracted traders from across the world.

The virtual trade fair showcased for global importers India’s unique fruits, vegetables and floriculture goods from various regions. More than 470 exhibitors/exporters displayed their products on the virtual platform, and 543 visitors/importers had signed up to participate in the fair.

Exporters of fresh vegetables, mangoes, pomegranates, grapes and other fresh fruits showcased their products for global importers. The virtual fair attracted visitors from Singapore, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Bahrain, Israel, Suriname, Afghanistan, Japan, Iceland, the Maldives and Brunei.

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While APEDA has always been conducting such trade fairs, the virtual fairs use interactive technology. Audio and video sessions have been conducted as have exporter and importer meetings. The fair also included facilitation workshops, product launches, live streaming and webinars. Private sessions, as well as individual sessions, were available in the virtual meeting.

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The online interaction between exporters and importers and the exchange of data is secure, the organisers said, and this enabled people to take part without any hesitation. 

Such virtual events are not just cost-effective, but they also provide producers a platform where consumers and sellers can interact face-to-face at a time when meeting in person is not possible during the pandemic.

APEDA had held its first virtual fair from March 10 to 12 this year, and it saw the attendance of 404 foreign traders/importers. As many as 313 local producers and exporters registered for the event, which had 128 stalls showcasing various product categories — including basmati and non-basmati rice, millet, wheat, maize, groundnuts and coarse cereals. 

Prospective buyers had expressed interest in the numerous product categories, the organisers said. With travel and trade limited due to COVID-19, APEDA has introduced the concept of virtual fairs to sustain India’s exports of agricultural and processed food and explore new markets.

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Read the Hindi original here.