India has set an ambitious target to reach $100 billion in agricultural exports by 2030, as per a comprehensive report released by ICRIER and APEDA. The study emphasizes that while India leads global production in key crops like bananas, mangoes, and potatoes, the export contribution from these commodities remains disproportionately low.
Currently, India contributes 25.4% of the world’s bananas, 44% of mangoes, and 14.2% of potatoes, yet it commands less than 2% share in the global export market for each. This paradox stems from fragmented value chains, lack of modern infrastructure, and barriers in international market access.
To overcome these, the report recommends a multi-pronged policy strategy:
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Develop integrated export hubs with packhouses, cold storage, and mechanized grading and sorting lines.
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Strengthen sea freight infrastructure, especially for perishable produce like mangoes and bananas, to reduce over-dependence on costly air routes.
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Promote cluster-based development across regions such as Jalgaon (bananas), Junagadh (mangoes), and Banaskantha (potatoes).
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Negotiate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to counter high tariffs and non-tariff barriers in markets like the EU and USA.
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Encourage GI tagging, branding, and digital marketing for global visibility.
The report also calls for increased participation of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), startups, and private players in building resilient and scalable agri-export ecosystems. With proper implementation, these strategies are expected to bridge the gap between India’s agri-production strength and its global trade potential
