India is an agrarian economy, with the majority of its population relying on agriculture for their livelihood. However, despite being one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities in the world, Indian farmers have not been able to fully realize their export potential. The District Export Hub (DEH) scheme is a government initiative that aims to address this issue and provide Indian farmers with an opportunity to export their products to international markets. Know how Indian farmers can export through District Export Hubs:

What is a District Export Hub?

A District Export Hub (DEH) is a scheme launched by the Government of India with the objective of developing a sustainable ecosystem for exports at the district level. The scheme aims to create a network of exporters, producers, and other stakeholders at the district level to boost exports and provide a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access global markets. Under the DEH scheme, a group of exporters and producers are identified in a particular district, and a dedicated office is set up to facilitate exports and provide the necessary support.

How can Indian farmers export through DEH?

Indian farmers can benefit from the DEH scheme in several ways. Firstly, the scheme provides a platform for farmers to connect with exporters and buyers in international markets. Farmers can collaborate with exporters to export their products to international markets, which would not have been possible otherwise. Secondly, the DEH scheme provides necessary support and infrastructure to farmers to improve the quality and packaging of their products. This, in turn, would increase the demand for their products in international markets. Thirdly, the scheme also provides financial support to farmers to meet the expenses associated with exports, such as packaging, transportation, and certification.

To export through DEH, Indian farmers need to follow a few steps:

Step 1: Identify the DEH in their district

Farmers need to identify the DEH in their district. They can do this by visiting the website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or the website of their district administration.

Step 2: Register with DEH

Farmers need to register with the DEH in their district. The registration process involves providing details about their products, production capacity, and other relevant information.

Step 3: Connect with exporters

Once registered, farmers can connect with exporters who are part of the DEH scheme. They can collaborate with exporters to export their products to international markets.

Step 4: Obtain the necessary certifications

To export their products, farmers need to obtain necessary certifications such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) certification, which is mandatory for exporting certain agricultural products.

Step 5: Packaging and transportation

Farmers need to ensure that their products are packaged properly and transported safely to the port of export.

The District Export Hub scheme provides a great opportunity for Indian farmers to export their products to international markets. The scheme not only provides a platform for farmers to connect with exporters and buyers but also provides the necessary support and infrastructure to improve the quality and packaging of their products. However, for the scheme to be successful, it is important that farmers are aware of the scheme and actively participate in it. By doing so, Indian farmers can take advantage of the DEH scheme and increase their income by exporting their products to international markets.