NCEL–APEDA MoU to Boost Cooperative-Led Agri Exports

Current Context: On September 9, 2025, National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.

• The aim is to strengthen India’s cooperative-driven agri exports by aligning NCEL’s outreach with APEDA’s export facilitation.
• Focus areas include capacity building, quality compliance, infrastructure support, international branding, and commodity-specific export strategies.
• Cooperative societies will gain access to training on global standards, food safety, and export documentation.
• The partnership supports the goals of the National Cooperation Policy, enhancing farmer incomes and rural livelihoods.
• Officials present included Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation; Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA; and Unupom Kausik, MD, NCEL.

Question:

Q.1 What is the main objective of the MoU between National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)?
a) Promote agricultural startups
b) Strengthen cooperative-driven agricultural exports
c) Subsidize agricultural loans
d) Establish new cooperative banks

Answer: b) The aim is to strengthen India’s cooperative-driven agri exports by aligning NCEL’s outreach with APEDA’s export facilitation.