Lucknow: The Regional Food Research and Analysis Centre (RFRAC), Lucknow, organised a one-day sensitisation and training programme on ‘Agricultural Export Quality Standards and Compliance’ on November 6, 2026, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The programme was chaired by B.L. Meena (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, and Chairman of the Revenue Board. Dr C.B. Singh, Deputy General Manager of APEDA, delivered the keynote address.
Exporters from various districts of Uttar Pradesh, industry stakeholders and senior officials from agriculture and allied government departments participated in the programme.
Focus on International Export Standards
During the technical sessions, Dr C.B. Singh discussed the regulatory and quality requirements that agricultural exporters must meet to access international markets. The subjects covered included international quality standards, food safety regulations, phytosanitary compliance, residue monitoring, laboratory testing, traceability, certification procedures and export processes.
He also explained APEDA’s initiatives to promote agricultural exports and improve access to global markets.
The programme was attended by HAFED Chairman Navlesh Pratap, Joint Director of the Food Processing Department Dr M.P. Singh, officials from the Horticulture Department and representatives of agricultural and processed food export organisations.
Other participants included Mukesh Singh from the Chamber of Commerce, Amit Agrawal from Q-Link, Piyush Singh from Utkrishta Foundation, Deepak Mishra from Mohi Export, Bhanu Pratap Singh from BMC, consultant Amit Chikara and Dr S.K. Katiyar of Bundelkhand University, Jhansi.
RFRAC Seeks to Expand Testing Support for Exporters
A key aspect of the programme was the discussion on strengthening RFRAC’s association with APEDA and facilitating the inclusion of its laboratory facilities in APEDA’s recognised laboratory network.
The proposed initiative aims to make agricultural product, processed food and soil sample testing more accessible to exporters across Uttar Pradesh. It would enable them to get samples analysed within the state instead of sending them to laboratories in other states.
This is expected to reduce testing time and expenses while providing exporters with reliable and quality-assured reports from a government autonomous laboratory.
Quality Compliance Essential for Global Competitiveness
Addressing the gathering, the chief guests emphasised that strict adherence to international quality standards is essential for making Indian agricultural products competitive in global markets.
They highlighted RFRAC’s role as an NABL-accredited and APEDA-listed laboratory in providing exporters with access to quality testing facilities within Uttar Pradesh. Such facilities can help exporters meet international requirements and improve the efficiency of the agricultural export process.
At the conclusion of the programme, RFRAC Director Dr Harish Kumar thanked the dignitaries, speakers, participating officials and exporters from across the state. He formally announced the successful completion of the training programme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
