Government strengthens commitment to boost agri exports and market access

To strengthen India’s agricultural exports, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to easing logistical challenges and expanding market access for agri products. At an inter-ministerial dialogue hosted by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the pivotal role of innovation, productivity, and research in enhancing India’s global agri-trade competitiveness.

In a significant move to boost India’s agricultural exports, the government has reiterated its commitment to removing logistical barriers and enhancing market access for agri products. Speaking at an inter-ministerial dialogue organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of innovation, productivity, and research to bolster the country’s global agri trade presence.

Barthwal underscored the critical role that academia and research institutions must play in advancing India’s agri-export ecosystem. “Academia and research institutions must be a part of multi-sectoral consultations so that research and development can be a major focus for innovation and sustainability in agri exports,” he stated. He emphasized that improving both agricultural production and productivity will be crucial in sustaining and scaling India’s export performance.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and state government representatives to deliberate on key issues affecting the sector. Discussions covered strategies for branding Indian agri-produce, strengthening global compliance to facilitate greater meat exports, and measures to scale up exports of processed and organic food products.

Adding to the dialogue, Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, called for a comprehensive overhaul of agri-export infrastructure. He stressed the importance of aligning sanitary and phytosanitary standards with global benchmarks, rationalizing tariff structures, and promoting synergy among central and state governments along with private stakeholders.

Gupta also spotlighted emerging high-potential areas within processed food exports, such as alcoholic beverages, nutraceuticals, and other value-added products. These categories, he noted, could significantly enhance India’s export basket if supported with the right policies and infrastructure.

The need for a more integrated, collaborative approach among stakeholders across the agri-export value chain was a recurring theme throughout the event. Participants highlighted that only a unified strategy involving government departments, industry players, and knowledge institutions can ensure India’s competitive edge in global markets.

Reflecting the positive momentum, India’s exports of agricultural and processed food products under the APEDA umbrella grew by 13% year-on-year to $25.14 billion in FY25. This increase stands out especially as overall exports from the country witnessed only marginal growth. A key driver behind this surge was a 20% rise in rice exports, indicating India’s strength in staple commodity markets.

Overall, India’s agri exports are estimated to have surpassed $50 billion in FY25, marking a robust performance despite global trade challenges. Products covered under the APEDA basket account for approximately 51% of total agri shipments, with the rest comprising marine products, tobacco, coffee, and tea.

The dialogue concluded on a note of optimism, with a shared resolve among stakeholders to strengthen India’s position as a reliable supplier of quality agricultural and processed food products. With concerted policy action and strategic collaboration, India is well-positioned to meet its ambitious agri-export goals in the coming years.