Agriculture and Food Industry and Exports

Introduction

India’s agrarian culture and varied regional climate have significantly contributed to the global food basket.

Indian curries, spices, snacks, and mangoes are known for their excellent quality across the globe. Globally, India leads the following food segments: 

• The total agriculture commodities export was US$ 17.19 billion between March 2020 and February 2021.
• In April 2021, grapes export amounted to US$ 47.36 million.
• In FY21, grapes export amounted to US$ 313.61 million.
• In April 2021, India exported pulses worth US$ 17.73 million and dairy products worth US$ 12.63 million.
• In FY21, India exported pulses worth US$ 284.23 million and dairy products worth US$ 201.15 million.     
• In FY21, natural honey export amounted to US$ 79.33 million.
• In April 2021, India exported US$ 13.01 million of natural honey.
• India is the largest milk producer in the world. Milk production in the country is expected to reach 270 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2024.
• India has the world’s largest population of buffalos (109.8 million in 2020).

Agricultural Products Exported from India Highlights

In FY22(Until May 2021), India exported basmati rice worth US$ 616.96 million, non-basmati rice worth US$ 1.05 billion, and buffalo meat worth US$ 594.76 million.

In FY21, India exported basmati rice worth US$ 4.02 billion, non-basmati rice worth US$ 4.81 billion, and buffalo meat worth US$ 3.17 billion.

During FY20, India exported basmati rice worth US$ 4.37 billion, buffalo meat worth US$ 3.20 billion, and non-basmati rice worth US$ 2.02 billion.

Indian agricultural/horticultural and processed foods are exported to more than 100 countries/regions, chief among them being the Middle East, Southeast Asia, SAARC countries, the EU, and the US.

Recent Development

Ministry of Commerce and Industry introduced Agriculture Export Policy, 2018 with an aim to double farmers’ income by 2022 by doubling agricultural exports from India and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products in India to the global value chain.

In order to increase the exports of bamboo products, local artisans are supported by National Bamboo Mission.

Government of India introduced the following ordinances to implement reforms in agriculture sector:

• Agriculture Export Policy

To increase farmers’ income, harness export potential and make India a leading player in agriculture sector, Indian government launched comprehensive agriculture export policy.

• The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020

This ordinance will allow intra-state and inter-state trade of farmers’ produce beyond the physical premises of APMC markets and the state governments will be prohibited from levying market fee, cess, or levy outside APMC areas

• The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020

This ordinance will provide a framework on farming agreements, and will protect and empower the farmers to engage with agri business firms, processers, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers

• The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance 2020

Under this ordinance the central government will be able to regulate the supply of certain food items only under extraordinary circumstances (such as war and famine).

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a significant role in tapping India’s agricultural strengths and works towards expanding the export potential of Indian agricultural and food products.