India’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.
Govt’s effort to encourage Agri-Exports Amid Pandemic:
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.
According to the report, India was able to meet global demand as a result of these actions, giving farm exports a boost.
"With the current rate of growth, India's agriculture exports are on track to surpass USD 50 billion for the first time in history," the report stated.
Rice exports are expected to reach 21-22 million tonnes this year, according to the government. 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.
In order to ensure that the farmers get benefit from these exports, the department of commerce has made special efforts to provide export market linkage directly to farmers. A farmer Connect Portal has been set up for providing a platform for farmers, FPOs, Cooperatives to interact with exporters.
This unique approach has resulted in agriculture exports taking place from Varanasi, (fresh vegetables, mangoes), Ananthpur (banana), Nagpur (orange), Lucknow (mango), Theni (banana), Solapur (pomegranate).
