Vegetables export has increased to about 20% more than the pre-Coronavirus levels, helped by demand from Europe & West Asia and lower air freight. Indian exporters have earned goodwill as that they had ensured steady supply even when freight rates were high unlike countries like China, Egypt, Kenya & Dominican Republic.
“The export demand is 20% above the pre-Covid levels. We noticed that within the half-moon of 2020-21, there was a rise in consumption of vegetables in most of the export markets compared to non-vegetarian food. Also, the rise within the frequency of flights by Air India, Spice Jet, British Airways & Gulf Carriers, resulting in a drop by freight rates, helped exporters,” Sunil Awari, Bengaluru-based Namdhari farm fresh said.
According to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) data, fresh vegetables exports from India in April-July rose 18% over an equivalent period within the previous year. It had also organized meetings & interactions between exporters & importers through respective high commissions & embassies in Singapore, Kuwait, Switzerland, Russia, Indonesia & the UAE, which were helpful for exporters to venture into new market & enhance exports.
“Exporters initially saw lower orders in April & May, but orders rose to normal subsequently. within the previous couple of months, our company has been ready to export 20% more in terms of volume & 40% more in terms useful from the pre-Covid levels. Vegetables are considered more of a necessity in Europe & have proven to be quite resilient in terms of consumer demand in spite of near-double prices,” said Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Kay Bee Exports.
Narendra Bhatia, partner at Asar Brothers, a Mumbai-based exporter said, “Increase within the number of flights & further reduction in freight charges will provides a boost to exports during the winter months. Freight rates have slightly reduced, but are still quite twice the pre-Covid rates. If they reduce, then we will have a foothold within the Southeast Asian & Middle East markets”.
