APEDA-Facilitated Business Networking Opens New Export Market for Indian Millet-Based Functional Foods

Export of Value-Added Millet Functional Foods Expected to Boost Farmer Incomes and Strengthen India's Agri-Export Ecosystem

In a significant boost to India's agri-food exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flagging off of the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand on June 3, 2026.

The export consignment, comprising one metric tonne of value-added millet-based products, was shipped by M/s Infini Agrotek LLP, Bengaluru. The shipment reflects the growing global demand for innovative millet-based products derived from India's traditional grains and underscores the expanding opportunities for value-added agricultural exports from the country.

The exporter had actively participated in APEDA-supported trade promotion events, including World Food India 2025, Indus Food 2025 and Gulfood 2026. Participation in these exhibitions enabled the company to connect with international buyers, expand its customer base and strengthen its presence in global markets. The export order from New Zealand is the outcome of sustained market outreach and business networking facilitated through APEDA's trade promotion initiatives.

The shipment was virtually flagged off by Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS. Congratulating the company on this achievement, he appreciated the company's efforts in developing innovative millet-based products and successfully expanding into international markets.

During the interaction, the exporter was encouraged to leverage APEDA's export promotion initiatives and continue participating in trade fairs and exhibitions to further expand market reach and explore new business opportunities.

The export of botanical-infused millet functional foods highlights the growing potential of India's value-added agricultural products and is expected to benefit millet-growing farmers through enhanced demand and improved market access. Such initiatives contribute to strengthening India's agri-export ecosystem while generating opportunities across the millet value chain.

APEDA continues to facilitate exports of agricultural and processed food products through market development initiatives, capacity-building programmes and participation in major domestic and international trade events. The successful shipment demonstrates the increasing global acceptance of innovative millet-based products and reinforces the growing potential of India's millet sector in international markets.

Millets have emerged as an important component of India's agricultural export basket owing to their nutritional benefits, climate resilience and rising consumer demand across global markets. The development and export of value-added millet products are creating new opportunities for farmers, food processors and exporters while contributing to the diversification and expansion of India's agri-food exports.

Value-added millet exports gain momentum as APEDA facilitates a first sea shipment of botanical-infused foods to New Zealand. APEDA facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand, marking an expansion in India's value-added agri-food export basket. The export reflected rising international demand for innovative millet-based products and was linked to APEDA-supported trade promotion and business networking initiatives. The release highlights APEDA's role in export promotion through trade fairs, capacity-building and market development programmes, and notes the potential of value-added millet exports to support farmer incomes and strengthen the millet value chain.