For the state government's positive signs of efforts in the agriculture sector, Telangana has observed an almost 40% rise in agriculture exports between 2020 and 2022. While agriculture exports stood at Rs 6,337 crore in 2020-21, they rose substantially to about Rs 10,000 crore in 2021- 22.
As per the data recently released by the Central government, Telangana and Maharashtra are two states which have shown a marked increase in agriculture exports. In just five years, from 2017-18 to 2021-22, it has increased from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore in Telangana.
Telangana's top exports include spices, cereal, cotton, and meat. As per the experts, the exports from Telangana have enhanced due to innovative methods, rapid use of technology, and cold storage facilities.
Kotha Bhaskar Reddy, an exporter from NiIzamabad dealing in fruits said, "Considering that Telangana has no coastline, the improvement clearly depicts how better infrastructure has helped the sector grow considerably.”
According to the data, cotton exports totalled Rs 3,055 crore in 2021-22, while spices, tea, and coffee accounted for Rs 1,936 crore. Cereals contributed Rs 1,480 crore and meat exports accounted for Rs 268 crore. The state also exports maize, rice, grapes, lemon, mango, and soybean.
The data from the state also displays that the total foreign direct investment inflows in the agriculture sector in the country have a high share from Telangana. Between 2019- 2021, the state attracted FDI worth ₹3,000 crores.
Presently, the state is focussing on increasing the extent of oil seed cultivation which will further improvise the export base.