1. Organisation and Function
1.1 Particulars of its organisation, functions and duties [Section 4(1)(b)(i)]
i. Name and address of the Organization:
APEDA,
3rd Floor NCUI Building,
3, Siri Institutional Area
August Kranti Marg,
(Opposite Asiad Village)
New Delhi-110016

ii. Head of the organization
Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS
Chairman

iii. Vision, Mission and Key objectives

Vision
Establishing India as a supplier of quality agro and food products in the global markets.

Mission
To act as an interface between the trade and industry on one hand and the Government on the other in furthering the common goal for development and promotion of agro exports from India. To assist the trade in effectively responding to the challenges of global marketing. Networking with the institutional framework of the Governments both in center and states to address the supply side issues and work with the similar framework in the target markets for seeking market access and establishment of the ‘brand India'.

Key Objectives
1 Market Development
2 Development of Infrastructure
3 Quality Development

iv. Functions and duties:

The functions of APEDA have evolved in the last three decades. The majority of the functions of the organization flow from the section 10 of the APEDA Act 1986. There are other functions which flow from the foreign trade policy from time to time. In addition Government has also given responsibilities to discharge various other requirements of regulations.

APEDA Act (View)
The following functions has been assigned to the authority as per section 10 of the APEDA Act

i. Development of industries relating to the scheduled products for export by way of providing financial assistance or otherwise for undertaking surveys and feasibility studies, participation in equity capital through joint ventures and other reliefs and subsidy schemes;

ii. Registration of persons as exporters of the scheduled products on payment of such fees as may be prescribed;

iii. Fixing of standards and specifications for the scheduled products for the purpose of exports;

iv. Carrying out inspection of meat and meat products in slaughter houses, processing plants, storage premises, conveyances or other places where such products are kept or handled for the purpose of ensuring the quality of such products;

v. Improving of packaging of the Scheduled products;

vi. Improving of marketing of the Scheduled products outside India;

vii. Promotion of export oriented production and development of the Scheduled products;

viii. Collection of statistics from the owners of factories or establishments engaged in the production, processing, packaging, marketing or export of the scheduled products or from such other persons as may be prescribed on any matter relating to the scheduled products and publication of the statistics so collected or of any portions thereof or extracts there from;

ix. Training in various aspects of the industries connected with the scheduled products;

x. Such other matters as may be prescribed

The following functions has been assigned to the authority as per section 10 A of the Act.

i. Without prejudice to any law for the time being in force, it shall be the duty of the Authority to undertake, by such measures as may be prescribed by the Central government for registration and protection of the Intellectual Property rights in respect of Special products in India or Outside India.

Functions assigned as per Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)

i. Registration of contract for export of Basmati Rice. (Sl. No. 57 Chapter 10 of Schedule 2 of ITC (HS )

ii. Registration of contract for import of Sugar. (ITC (HS) Import Policy 2017 for Chapter 17).

iii. Registration of contract for export of organic pulses (Notification No 03/ 2015-2020 dated 19th April 2017)

iv. Issuance of Certificate of Exports for export of Peanut and Peanut Products. (Notification No. 28  (RE 2012)/2009-2014 dated 3rd January, 2013)

v. Allocation of TRQ for export of raw sugar to USA. Conditions for export of sugar to USA under TRQ (DGFT Notification No 3/2015-2020 dated April 20, 2015.).

vi. APEDA has been identified as the secretariat for the National Programme for Organic and it performs the lead role for promotion of export of organically grown agro-products. (Public Notice No 19(RE-2001)/1997-2002 dated 11.6.2001 ). APEDA serves as secretariat to National Steering Committee, National Accreditation Body and APEDA does the accreditation of the Certification Bodies.

vii. DGFT vide Public Notice No.24/2015-20 dated 1.9.2017 has authorized APEDA to issue GSP Certificate and Non Preferential Certificate of Origin under Appendix-2C and 2E of FTP 2015-2020. APEDA is also authorized to issue Certificate of Origin (CoO) for Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA).

viii. The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is being implemented by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for exports under the Foreign Trade Development Regulations (FTDR) Act since October 2001. APEDA functions as the Secretariat for implementation of the NPOP (NPOP chapter 2, clause 2.3 (d).

Other functions assigned by Government
APEDA has been entrusted with the following additional responsibly apart from the mandate given to the organization:

i. SPS notifications :- DoC vide their letter No. 14/6/2009-TPD dated 28th April 2009, has entrusted APEDA the task of dealing with SPS notifications relating to all agriculture commodities for various countries. The major tasks entrusted were to download the SPS notifications, to disseminate the identified SPS Notifications, English translation of original notification, to examine the comments received from the stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive response from Indian side, list out the possible trade restrictive issues which need to be raised and submission of a quarterly report to DOC.

ii. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) :- APEDA address following Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) including SPS to get market access for all agri products.

v. Organization Chart: Annexure 1.

1.2 Power and duties of its officers and employees [Section 4(1) (b)(ii)]
i. Chairman is the Chief Executive of the Authority. The powers and duties of the Chairman are:
a) Grant leave to Secretary, officers and employees of the Authority;
b) Prescribe duties of all officers and employees of the Authority and exercise such supervision and disciplinary control as may be necessary;
c) Sanction expenditure for contingencies, supplies and services and purchase of articles required for the working of the office of the Authority.
ii. The Central Govt. has also appointed a Secretary to the Authority who exercises powers and performs duties as may be prescribed or as may be delegated to him by Chairman. The duties of the Secretary are:
a) Attend all the meetings of the Authority and shall assist Chairman in implementing the decisions of the Authority;
b) Maintain a proper record of the proceedings of the meetings of the Authority and decisions taken in those meetings;
c) Maintain proper record of the register of exporters in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III of the Act;
d) Issue receipts on behalf of the Authority for all moneys received under the Act;
e) Maintain or cause to be maintained an account of the receipts and expenditure of the Authority; and
f) Be responsible for preparation of draft Annual report on the working of the Authority and its submission to Central Government after approval by the Authority on a date not later than the date specified in this behalf by the Central Government.
iii Work Allocation of officers and employees Annexure-1.
1.3 Procedure followed in decision making process [Section 4(1)(b)(iii)]
(i) As per Organisational Structure Annexure-1
(ii) Related provisions, acts, rules etc.

1.4 Norms for discharge of functions [Section 4(1)(b)(iv)]
APEDA has set the following norms to discharge various functions:
i. APEDA Registration Procedure (RCMC) Annexure 2
ii. APEDA Financial Assistance Schemes Annexure 3
iii. Process of redress of grievance

1.5 Rules, regulations, instructions manual and records for discharging functions [Section 4(1)(b)(v)]

iii. APEDA Medical Attendance Rules Annexure 5

Service/Conduct Rules
In respect of Officers and employees appointed by APEDA, Pay and allowance, leave and other conditions of services including age of superannuation and other facilities such as advance of pay, advances for the purchase of conveyance, construction of houses and the like, in respect of officers and employees appointed by the Authority shall, if no provision is made in these Regulations or otherwise, be regulated in accordance with such Rules and Regulations as are for the same being applicable to officers and employees of the Central Government of the corresponding grades or status stationed at these places (Regulation No. 32, Chapter VII of APEDA Regulations).
Accordingly, the employees of APEDA are governed by DoPT Rules/Orders/Instructions relating to service matters including Conduct Rules as applicable from time to time.

1.6 Categories of documents held by the authority under its control [Section 4(1)(b) (vi)]
A statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control (available in Library)
i. Manuals on Production & Post Harvest Management for APEDA scheduled products
ii. How to set up Agri Export Zone
iii. Report of AEZs
iv. List of APEDA studies
 

1.7 Boards, Councils, Committees and other Bodies constituted as part of the Public Authority [Section 4(1)(b)(viii)]

(i) Name of Boards, Council, Committee etc.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

Present Status of APEDA Authority members are at Annexure 6

(ii) Composition

As per Chapter II of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act 1985. APEDA Act is available on APEDA website www.apeda.gov.in icon “Corporate Info”

(iii) Dates from which constituted

As per List at Annexure 6

(iv)Term/ Tenure

As per List at Annexure 6

(v)Powers and functions

As per Chapter II of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act 1985

The meetings and minutes are not open to public.

1.8 Directory of officers and employees [Section 4(1) (b) (ix)]

i. Directory of APEDA officers and employees Annexure-7

1.9 Monthly Remuneration received by officers & employees including system of compensation [Section 4(1) (b) (x)]

Monthly remuneration received by officers & employees is at Annexure -8

1.10 Name, designation and other particulars of public information officers [Section 4(1) (b) (xvi)]

Annexure - 9

1.11 No. Of employees against whom Disciplinary action has been proposed/ taken (Section 4(2))

Nil

1.12 Programmes to advance understanding of RTI (Section 26)

(i) Interaction Program on RTI, scheduled on Friday 15th March 2024 in Seminar Hall of Central Information Commission, CIC Bhawan, Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi was attended by Sh. Saurav Agarwal, CPIO.

(ii) One-day program was held to enable the participants to:

• Understand the basic provisions of the RTI 2005 Act.
• Prepare Govt officials /PIOs/FAAs to better handle RTI applications from the citizens.
• Streamline office procedures with modern IT Practices for better records managements.

(iii) APEDA officer nominated for the above said training are as under.

• Sh. Saurav Agarwal, CPIO.

1.13 Transfer policy and transfer orders [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013]

Officers are transferred as per requirement of office and in the public interest with the approval of Competent Authority.

1.14 Transfer Orders in last three years. (View)

2. Budget and Programme

2.1 Budget allocated to each agency including all plans, proposed expenditure and reports on disbursements made etc. [Section 4(1)(b)(xi)]

A statement on the budget allocation to APEDA under various schemes for the year 2023-24 is at Annexure- 10

Particulars of disbursement are in the Annual Accounts Report available on APEDA website www.apeda.gov.in icon Corporate Info, sub icon Annual Report

(i) Total Budget for the public authority

(ii) Budget for each agency and plan & programmes

(iii) Proposed expenditures

(iv) Revised budget for each agency, if any

2.2 Foreign and domestic tours (F. No. 1/8/2012- IR dt. 11.9.2012)

(i) Budget: Under Market Development Scheme an expenditure of Rs.34.90 crore has been spent during the year 2022-23.

(ii) The foreign and domestic tours undertaken by the head of the organization during 2023-24

Under Foreign Tour

2.3 Manner of execution of subsidy programme [Section 4(i)(b)(xii)]

As per Financial Assistance Scheme of APEDA available on APEDA website www.apeda.gov.in under icon ‘schemes’

2.4 Discretionary and non-discretionary grants [F. No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013]

Not applicable

2.5 Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits of authorizations granted by the public authority [Section 4(1) (b) (xiii)]
i. Registration of contract for basmati rice.
ii. Registration certificate to Abattoirs/Meat Processing Plants
iii. Pack House Recognition
vi. Ground nut processing units recognition

2.6. CAG & PAC paras (F No.1/6/2011-IR dt.15.4.2013)
Annual Account Report on 2022-23.

3. Publicity Band Public interface

3.1 Particulars for any arrangement for consultation with or representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation there of [Section 4(1)(b)(vii)] [F No 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013]

Three members of Parliament (two elected by the House of People and one by the Council of States) and twelve members to represent exporters of various scheduled products of APEDA, are appointed as the members of the Authority. APEDA also interacts regularly with exporters through letters, faxes, emails, meeting etc. for formulations and implementation of policies.

i. The office order for grievance redressal is attached
ii. APEDA website (www.apeda.gov.in)

3.2 Are the details of policies / decisions, which affect public, informed to them [Section 4(1) (c)]

The important information/ policies are hosted at APEDA website  at the following link

3.3 Dissemination of information widely and in such form and manner which is easily accessible to the public [Section 4(3)]

Yes    Internet (website) www.apeda.gov.in

3.4 Form of accessibility of information manual/ handbook [Section 4(1)(b)]

APEDA website and in house Library

3.5 Whether information manual/ handbook available free of cost or not [Section 4(1)(b)]

Free of Cost

4. E. Governance
4.1 Language in which Information Manual/Handbook Available [F No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.4.2013]

Annual Administrative report of APEDA is available in English and Hindi and hosted at APEDA website (https://apeda.gov.in) (English, Hindi)

4.2 When was the information Manual/Handbook last updated? [F No. 1/6/2011-IR dt 15.4.2013]

April 2018

4.3 Information available in electronic form [Section 4(1)(b)(xiv)]

The following information is available in electronic form is given below:

1. Annual Administrative report

2. Annual Accounts report

3. Financial assistance scheme

4. Agriexchange Portal

5. Citizen’s Charter

6. Trade Notices

7. List of Events and Trade fairs

8. Report on trade events

9. Trade Enquiries

10. Trade information on countries

11. Recognition schemes

12. Recognized organisation

13. Export procedures

14. Importing country regulations

15. Agmark Standard and procedures

16. Recognised packhouse

17. Abbattoirs/Meat Processing plants

18. Standard operating procedure for exports

19. SOP for handling Rapid alerts, rejections & complaints

20. Exporter directory

All documents available on APEDA website http//apeda.gov.in

4.4 Particulars of facilities available to citizen for obtaining information [Section 4(1)(b)(xv)]

The information can be obtained through APEDA website, in house Library and direct communication such as email etc.

Working hours of the facility:

APEDA website (www.apeda.gov.in) - 24 x 7

APEDA Library - 9.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (working days)

Contact person & contact details (Phone, fax email)

The name and contact details of APEDA functionaries is available on APEDA website www.apeda.gov.in icon ‘Corporate Info’ (View )

4.5 Such other information as may be prescribed under section 4(i) (b)(xvii)

i. Grievance redressal mechanism

ii. APEDA has an online system for public grievance and their redressal (View)

iii. Information on quarterly report of RTI submitted is at 4.6 below.

iv. List of schemes/ projects/ Programmes (View)

v. Annual Report :  Annual Administrative Report (View), Annual Account Report (View)
vi. Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) : (View)
vii. Citizen’s Charter : (View)

4.6 Receipt & Disposal of RTI applications & appeals [F.No 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013]

Quarterly Report to Central Information Commission on implementation of Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005

RTI Annual Report -2023-2024

(i) Details of applications received and disposed

(ii) Details of appeals received and orders issued

4.7 Replies to questions asked in the parliament [Section 4(1)(d)(2)]

Parliament Questions received during 2022-23 for inputs: 208 (View)

Parliament Questions received during 2021-22 for inputs: 275 (View)

Parliament Questions are received by APEDA from various ministries / departments for inputs.

Inputs are provided by APEDA as per information available. Final reply is send by the respective ministries.

5. Information as may be prescribed

5.1 Such other information as may be prescribed [F.No. 1/2/2016-IR dt. 17.8.2016, F No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.4.2013]

Shri Saurav Agarwal, Assistant General Manager
In charge of RTI Division & CPIO

(i) Name & details of

(a) Current PIOs & FAAs

(b) Earlier CPIO & FAAs as on 01/08/2022

(ii) Details of third party audit of voluntary disclosure

(a) Dates of audit carried out 2022-2023- 18.10.2023
(b) Report of the audit carried out 2022-2023

Regional Offices

iv. As per Office Memorandum No. R-17(12)/2010-RTI dated 3rd December 2010, of MOC&I a "Transparency Officer" has been nominated for APEDA

v. Committee of PIOs/ FAAs with rich experience in RTI to identify frequently sought information under RTI.

(a) Dates from which constituted (12/08/2024).

(b) Name & Designation of the Officers (Office Order Enclosed).

6. Information Disclosed on own Initiative
6.1 Item / information disclosed so that public have minimum resort to use of RTI Act to obtain information

All the relevant documents are available on APEDA website www.apeda.gov.in