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

• India stands first in the production of bananas, papayas and mangoes. During 2017-18 (3rd Advance Estimates), 31.08 million tonnes of banana, 6.22 million tonnes of papaya and 21.25 million tonnes of mango was produced in the country.
• During 2016-17, Guavas production amounted to 3.648 million tonnes.
• India is the largest milk producer in the world (165.4 million tonnes) 
• India has the largest buffalo population (108.7 million)
• India is the largest pulses producer in the world (24.51 million tonnes) (3rd AE 2017-18)
• Among vegetables, India ranks second in world (182.034 million tonnes), and first in the production of Okra (6.073 million tonnes)

Export Highlights

During April-October 2018, exports of agricultural and processed food products totalled US$ 21.61 billion. During the period, top five exported commodities were marine products (US$ 4.18 billion), basmati rice (US$ 2.48 billion), buffalo meat (US$ 2.20 billion), spices (US$ 1.84 billion) and non-basmati rice (US$ 1.77 billion).

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

Recent Development

Ministry of Commerce & Industry is planning to introduce an “Agriculture Export Policy” which will aim at doubling the agricultural exports from the country and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products to the global value chain. As of November 2018, the draft of the policy has been prepared.

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.