SchemesThursday, 30 April 2026·The Hindu
APEDA sets up second BEDF basmati training centre in Uttar Pradesh
APEDA acquired 7 acres in Pilibhit on 28 April 2026 to establish a basmati and organic training centre.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 28 April 2026, APEDA acquired 7 acres of land at Tanda Bijesi village in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, to establish a basmati and organic training centre.
Key specifics
- The project is estimated at ₹15 crore.
- This will be the second Basmati Export Development Foundation centre in Uttar Pradesh after Meerut.
- The centre will use an AI-based satellite survey to map basmati cultivation areas.
- A NABL-accredited laboratory will test DNA, heavy metals and pesticide residues.
- The initiative targets training of over 50,000 farmers across 7 basmati-producing states by the 2025-26 cycle.
Exam lens
Question type: agriculture export body, location, project features. Key facts: APEDA, 7 acres, Pilibhit, ₹15 crore, NABL-accredited lab, 50,000 farmers. TNPSC one-liner: “Which APEDA project in 2026 will train over 50,000 farmers and use AI-based satellite survey?”