Farm exports post 18% growth in April-October

Agricultural exports from India grew 18 per cent to $21 billion in the April-October 2017-18 period compared to just 5 per cent in 2016-17, according to a government official.

The Commerce Ministry will put up a draft Agricultural Export Policy for stakeholders’ comments which will aim at boosting exports by identifying new markets, niche products and involving states, Commerce Joint Secretary Santosh Sarangi said at a press conference on India’s mega international food and beverage trade show - Indus Food beginning on January 18.

The two-day global food trade fair will see the participation of over 400 exhibitors and attract buyers from about 43 countries resulting in a business of an estimated $1.5 billion-$2.5 billion, according to government estimates.

“Once the draft Agricultural Export Policy is approved by the Commerce Minister, we will put it up online for stakeholders’ comments and suggestions,” Sarangi said, adding that the policy will be placed before the Cabinet only if the final document includes provisions that would need approval at the top level.

Export of agricultural produce must touch around $60 billion by 2020 (double from the level of $31 billion in 2015) to help double farmers’ incomes in line with the Prime Minister’s stated policy. “Exports can be increased largely by focussing on value addition and bringing down wastage through pre and post-harvest interventions,” Sarangi said.