The country’s agricultural exports, which include marine and plantation items, grew 23.21 percent to USD 31.05 billion in April-November 2021, according to the commerce ministry, and are set to surpass USD 50 billion for the “first time” this fiscal year.
During the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry has taken many initiatives to encourage exports.
These initiatives include extending the validity of various certifications/accreditations beyond their expiration dates, establishing control rooms to handle issues, issuing online certificates for exports, and making it easier to open new testing facilities.
Due to these initiatives, it said, India was able to meet the global demand, which has provided momentum to agriculture exports.
“With the present level of growth, India’s agriculture exports are likely to cross USD 50 billion for the first time, which is the highest ever in history,” it said. The ministry said that rice exports are likely to touch 21-22 million tonnes this year.
Non-basmati rice, wheat, sugar, and other cereals have all seen healthy growth in recent years.
Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra have benefited from a growth in exports of these crops, according to the report.
It also stated that marine product exports are expected to surpass USD 8 billion for the “first time” this fiscal year.
“Spice exports are expected to hit new highs of over USD 4.8 billion. Despite significant supply-side challenges, coffee exports have increased by roughly 35%, resulting in higher realisations for coffee growers in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu “It was also added.
Exports have taken place from clusters like Varanasi (fresh vegetables, mangoes), Ananthpur (banana), and Solapur, thanks to measures taken by the government, it said (pomegranate).