May 11, 2019
Total agricultural and processed food products increased to US$18.5 billion in 2018-19
Currently there are more than 60 operational agricultural trading zones around India
While export of dairy products rose by 72%, that of pulses increased by more than 22%
The Government seeks to raise the nation’s agricultural exports to US$60 billion by 2022
Export of agricultural and processed food products from India reported an increase of 7 per cent in terms of value during fiscal year 2018-19, as per a May 11 report by The Economic Times, citing the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The rise was primarily driven by a double-digit increase in exports of dairy products and pulses, along with a growth in basmati rice export. The development comes amid a push by the Government of India to raise farmers’ income by improving the farming ecosystem, boosting farm products pricing, aiding ancillary industries and exports. Currently there are more than 60 operational agricultural trading zones around India.
The nation’s total agricultural and processed food products increased to US$18.5 billion during 2018-19, from around US$17.1 billion in 2017-18, APEDA said. While export of dairy products rose by 72 per cent, that of pulses increased by more than 22 per cent. The Government in December 2018 has approved a new Agriculture Export Policy to strengthen the sector. The policy aims to double the nation’s agricultural exports and integrate Indian farmers and agricultural products with the global value chains. It seeks to raise agricultural exports to US$60 billion by 2022. The policy aims to expand export basket, market, and boost high value and value added agricultural exports, with focus on perishables.
The Indian Government is takig measures to promote export of novel, indigenous, organic, traditional as well as non-traditional agricultural products, all the while developing an ecosystem for the production of these items and maintenance of global quality standards. To achieve this, the Government has taken up Strategic and Operational steps. Strategic includes (i) Policy; (ii) Infrastructure; (iii) Holistic approach; (iv) State involvement; (v) Focus on Clusters; (vi) Promoting value-added exports; and (vii) Marketing and promotion of “Brand India”. Meanwhile, Operational will include (i) Private investments in output and processing; (ii) Srong quality regimen; (iii) Research & Development, among others.