Trade boost: FTAs to open wider markets for agriculture, food processing sectors; Jitin Prasada flags ease-of-business push

The growing number of free trade agreements (FTAs) signed and implemented by India will provide wider market access to the country’s agriculture and food processing sectors, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said on Friday, PTI reported.

“We have navigated a series of free trade agreements. Our produce has access to these markets,” Prasada said, noting that India has recently signed and implemented FTAs with Mauritius, Australia, the EFTA bloc, the UK, Oman and New Zealand.




The minister said the government has also taken steps to improve ease of doing business by removing unnecessary compliances and regulatory burdens that hinder investment and foreign participation. “The government has also ensured ease of doing business in India, doing away with the unnecessary compliances and regulation burdens,” he said, adding that the “red carpet has been rolled out for investment”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Prasada said India now has over 40,000 registered agro-based processing units and the focus must shift towards increasing revenues from the sector.

The conference is part of the three-day Indusfood show organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI). TPCI chairman Mohit Singla said participants from over 120 countries are attending the food and beverages event.

Buyers and exhibitors from countries including China, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Nepal and Lebanon are participating in the show, he said. Singla added that the conference has brought together 30 global chefs, 350 Indian chefs, policymakers, food and beverage industry leaders and startups. “It serves as a thought-leadership platform connecting culture, cuisine, commerce, and sustainability,” he said.