Since Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Act, 2005 and Rules, 2006 were notified in June, 2005 and February, 2006 respectively, formal approvals have been granted for setting up of 9 SEZs for Agro and Food Processing sector, out of which, 8 SEZs have been notified. Presently 4 SEZs are exporting.

 The physical exports from Agro and Food Processing SEZs as on 31st December, 2014 i.e. in the first three quarters of the current financial year 2014-15 have been to the tune of ₹ 676.75 crore having the share of 0.19% to the total physical exports from SEZs.

 This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Special Economic Zones support agro and food processing exports while their contribution to overall SEZ exports remains limited. Special Economic Zones under the SEZ Act, 2005 and Rules, 2006 have enabled nine formal approvals for Agro and Food Processing SEZs, eight notified and four currently exporting. Reported operational data show that physical exports from these SEZs during the first three quarters of 2014-15 comprised a modest share of total SEZ exports, as disclosed in a written ministerial reply.