Committee holds extensive consultations with state officials, financial institutions, exporters and industry bodies to boost agricultural exports and strengthen trade cooperation
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 11,2026: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce held a series of high-level meetings in Raipur on Thursday as part of its three-city study tour to assess India-US trade relations, with a special focus on promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products and expanding financial and insurance support for exporters.
The meetings, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP and Committee Chairperson Ms. Dola Sen, brought together senior state government officials, representatives of financial and insurance institutions, exporters, food processing industry stakeholders, and trade bodies. The discussions formed part of the committee’s study tour covering Ahmedabad, Raipur and Bhubaneswar from June 10 to 12.
The committee is examining various aspects of bilateral trade, investment, exports, imports and economic cooperation between India and the United States. The exercise aims to gather first-hand information from stakeholders for preparing a comprehensive report on the subject.
Focus on Export Promotion and Financial Support
During interactions with representatives of Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the committee reviewed the availability of financial assistance, credit facilities, insurance coverage and risk management mechanisms for exporters of agricultural and processed food products.
Representatives highlighted various schemes and support systems designed to facilitate export growth and improve access to institutional finance. Committee members discussed measures to enhance competitiveness of Indian agricultural products in international markets and simplify access to credit and insurance for farmers, entrepreneurs and exporters.
Discussions with Chhattisgarh Government Officials
The committee also held detailed deliberations with senior officials of the Chhattisgarh government regarding initiatives undertaken to promote exports, encourage investment and strengthen value addition in agriculture and food processing sectors.
Officials briefed members on the state’s efforts to support agro-based industries, expand food processing infrastructure, create export opportunities and improve market access for local products. Discussions also focused on leveraging Chhattisgarh’s agricultural strengths to increase its presence in global markets, including the United States.
Among the senior state officials who participated were Additional Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Kumar Pingua, Commerce and Industries Secretary Shri Ankit Anand, Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) Managing Director Shri Vishvesh Jha and Agriculture Director Shri Rahul Dev.
Industry Stakeholders Share Suggestions
In a separate session, the committee interacted with representatives of agricultural and processed food producers, exporters, processors and industry associations. Representatives from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA), All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Department of Commerce shared their views on export opportunities and challenges.
Participants discussed strategies to strengthen India-US trade relations, expand overseas markets for Indian agricultural products and improve the global competitiveness of the country’s food processing sector.
Committee members emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, financial institutions and industry stakeholders to unlock the full export potential of Indian agriculture and food processing industries.
The meetings were attended by committee members including MPs Shri Amra Ram, Shri Bishwajit Sinha, Shri Ramesh Awasthi, Shri Atul Garg, Shri Dhananjay Bhimrao Mahadik, Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Smt. Rosy Sailo Damodaran, Smt. Lamnei Singsit, Shri Dilip Yadav, Shri Sadanand Mahalu Shet Tanavade, Smt. Anita Shubhadarshini, Dr. Shivpal Singh Patel, Shri Anand Bhadauria, Dr. Prashant Yadavrao Padole, Dr. Sangeeta Balwant, Smt. Vijaya S. Rajashekhar, Shri Rajendra Kumar and Shri Girdhari Yadav.
The committee is expected to incorporate the findings and recommendations emerging from the consultations into its report on India-US trade relations, with particular emphasis on enhancing export opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
