Bharat’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has reported impressive growth in key agricultural categories, showcasing the country’s resilience and competitiveness on the global stage. From April to November 2023, significant progress has been observed, with Oil Meals and Fruits and vegetables leading the pack with growth rates of 34.33% and 15.10%, respectively.
In the realm of rice exports, Basmati rice has seen a commendable 16% growth, overseen by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). According to the Rice Exporters Association, Basmati Rice Exports have surged by a robust 20% from April to December 8 compared to the same period last year.
APEDA’s impact extends to Parboiled Rice exports, which experienced a substantial growth of 21.54% from April to September 2023 compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
The export of fresh fruits and vegetables has seen a 15.10% increase from April to October, reflecting India’s expanding market reach to 111 countries, up from 102 destinations last year. Grapes, bananas, and pomegranates have been major contributors to this growth.
Poultry product exports witnessed an impressive surge of 41%, reaching 50 destinations. Notable increases were seen in exports to key countries, including Oman, Japan, Maldives, Indonesia, UAE, Qatar, and Vietnam, according to the press release.
Bharat played a pivotal role in supporting Sri Lanka during its economic crisis by supplying eggs, contributing to a significant augmentation in poultry product exports.
The export of groundnuts has witnessed a remarkable 41% increase, reaching 65 countries, up from 50 destinations in the previous year. Other notable increases were recorded in the export of buffalo meat, sheep/goat meat, Cocoa products, and alcoholic beverages.
The overall value of agricultural exports reached USD 53.1 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, with APEDA contributing significantly, accounting for 50.2%. In the period from April to October 2023 of the fiscal year 2023-24, agricultural exports reached USD 27.3 billion, with APEDA’s share increasing to 51%.
APEDA has been proactive in promoting diverse products and exploring new markets. Notable initiatives include the first-ever export of “Fresh Potato” from Purvanchal to the Gulf Nation (UAE), the export of water chestnut from LBSI Airport Varanasi to UAE, and the flag-off of marigold from Varanasi to Sharjah.
The organization has also organized the first-ever export of banana plant derivatives, potato, hog plum, cranberry, fresh vegetables, and yellow watermelon to various destinations.
APEDA’s strategic initiatives to boost agri-exports include signing the Preclearance Cooperator Payment Plan with USDA APHIS for the mango and pomegranate preclearance program for export to the USA in FY 2024. Efforts to increase laboratories for testing organic products have been successful, increasing the number of organic laboratories from 38 to 62.
APEDA’s active presence in international forums, such as the 46th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission at FAO, Rome, reflects Bharat’s influential role in shaping global agricultural standards.
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