The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has announced the rollout of the Veg.Net portal to enhance monitoring and traceability in the export of drumsticks and green chillies to the European Union (EU).
The digital platform will become operational from March 23, 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening compliance and transparency in India’s fresh produce export ecosystem.
The initiative follows observations made during a European Union audit conducted in September 2024, which highlighted the need for stricter adherence to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in these commodities. In response, the Veg.Net portal has been developed to ensure end-to-end traceability across the export value chain.
The system integrates multiple stakeholders and processes, including farmer registration by State Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, registration of pack-houses for processing and packaging, and mandatory sampling and testing by recognized laboratories. It also incorporates grading certification by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) and the issuance of phytosanitary certificates by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO).
APEDA has urged exporters to adopt the Veg.Net platform for all shipments of drumsticks and green chillies destined for the EU, emphasizing the importance of compliance with international food safety standards. Exporters and stakeholders encountering technical issues can reach out to the APEDA helpdesk via official email channels.
Additionally, APEDA’s Regional Offices have been directed to actively engage with State departments, exporters, and industry bodies to ensure widespread awareness, timely registration, and seamless adoption of the system.
The implementation of Veg.Net is expected to enhance the credibility of Indian agricultural exports in the European market, improve supply chain transparency, and support sustained growth in shipments by aligning with stringent global quality benchmarks.
