Agri Export Zones During the last three years, no funds have been allocated specifically for AEZs. However, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has extended financial assistance to the exporters in the AEZs under its Plan Scheme. As on March 2012, all the 60 AEZs in 20 States have completed their notified span of five years. On account of this, State Nodal Agencies have not reported any information about exports and employment generation in these 60 AEZ, since last three years. The concept of Agri Export Zone (AEZ) was initiated by the Government of India in the year 2001 under Chapter - 16 of Exim Policy. The objective behind the notification of AEZ was to focus on potential products from the export perspective and address critical issues in creation of exportable quantity and quality and to synergize the use of all available resources and logistics from central and state sector schemes in existence. 60 AEZs in 20 States were notified by the Government till 2005. APEDA had signed MoUs with state governments defining the commitments of State Governments for implementation of AEZs. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry set up a Peer Review group to look into the performance of AEZs in December 2004. It was decided not to consider notification of any new AEZs unless there are strong compelling reasons. Therefore, the Government has not notified any new AEZs during the last three years. This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
