The National Level Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet and Expo commenced on February 23 at Megapode Resort, Haddo, bringing together producers, entrepreneurs and national buyers to strengthen the export value chain of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands across agriculture, industries and fisheries sectors. The initiative seeks to enhance market access and accelerate export-oriented growth from the Islands.
The Departments of Agriculture, Industries and Fisheries of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration are organising the meet in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata. The programme is supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the Coconut Development Board, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and RAMP.
Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar inaugurated the event in the presence of Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Shinde, Deputy Commissioner South Andaman Purva Garg, Secretary (Fisheries, Industries and Agriculture) Pallavi Sarkar, Senior Director of Indian Chamber of Commerce Madhuparna Bhowmick, Director of Fisheries Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director Art and Culture Priyanka Kumari and other senior officials.
In his address, the Chief Secretary welcomed mainland buyers and referred to the Fisheries Investors Meet organised in 2024, stating that it helped harness the marine potential of the Islands and led to their recognition as a ‘Tuna Hub’. He expressed confidence that the present meet would open new export avenues through structured business-to-business engagements and direct buyer–seller interactions supported by live product displays.
He emphasised that the Administration is working to simplify the export chain through policy support, infrastructure development and coordinated efforts across departments. Highlighting the Agriculture Department’s initiative ‘SPICE Pravah’, launched on July 25, he said the programme aims to develop 10 lakh plantations of true cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, bay leaf and cloves over five years to increase production capacity, standardise quality and improve farmers’ incomes.
The Chief Secretary also outlined efforts to promote premium island products under the brand “Dweep Sugandh”, which includes Teressa goat milk soap, island spices and virgin coconut oil. The branding initiative seeks to create a distinct market identity, strengthen value addition and secure better price realisation while encouraging sustainable production practices.
On fisheries, he underlined the Islands’ vast marine resources and the rising global demand for tuna and tuna-like species. Following the release of EEZ guidelines, three access passes have been issued to enable deep-sea fishing operations, marking a step towards expanding marine exports and attracting investment in modern fishing infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, Pallavi Sarkar said the National Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet and Expo 2026 serves as a platform connecting producers, FPOs, SHGs, MSMEs, startups, cooperatives, agro-entrepreneurs, food processors, marine firms and tribal enterprises from the Islands with national buyers and exporters. She outlined various developmental initiatives undertaken in fisheries, agriculture and industries sectors through Government of India schemes.
Sectoral presentations by officials from fisheries, agriculture and industries departments and technical sessions by MPEDA, APEDA Kolkata and the Coconut Development Board focused on regulatory processes, incentives and export facilitation measures. A dedicated exhibition showcased chilled marine resources, coconut-based products, spices, tropical cut flowers, multifloral honey and other value-added goods. Around 30 mainland buyers interacted with 49 island sellers during business sessions.
The meet will continue on February 24 with B2B and B2G meetings, interactive sessions and a concluding review.
