Synopsis
Experts assert that achieving the $100 billion agricultural export target by 2030 is feasible through decisive action. By addressing policy gaps and establishing essential connections for agricultural goods, better income opportunities for farmers can be realized.Key Takeaways
- The $100 billion agricultural export goal is reachable by 2030.
- Improving agricultural infrastructure is essential.
- A shift to demand-driven policies is necessary.
- A stable policy environment will facilitate exports.
- CAIRA aims to enhance India’s agri-export framework.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in agricultural exports by 2030 is within grasp if bolder and clearer measures are undertaken, according to industry experts. Addressing policy gaps and establishing crucial linkages for agricultural products can significantly enhance the earnings of India's farmers.
This insight was shared during a recent roundtable titled Boosting India’s Agri Exports by Transforming Infrastructure, which took place in Delhi, hosted by the newly established Centre for Agri Infrastructure Research and Action (CAIRA), a project of The Infravision Foundation.
Notable public sector figures participated in the roundtable, including Subrata Gupta, Secretary of Food Processing; Santosh Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade; Siraj Chaudhry, Country Chairman, SATS India; Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA; and Siraj Hussain, former Union Agriculture Secretary.
The speakers pointed out that the current agricultural infrastructure requires enhancements to support the widespread adoption of robust farming techniques and to align India’s exports with the evolving demands of the global market.
Shifting from a producer-focused strategy centered on food security to a demand-driven approach is crucial for improving agricultural exports.
This shift calls for a stable and coherent policy framework and a collective vision that aligns the targeted commodities and export quantities with the needs and preferences of international markets, as stated by the experts.
Agriculture accounts for 18.2 percent of India’s GDP and supports the livelihoods of over 42 percent of the population, making it a critical pillar of the economy.
Despite being the 8th largest exporter of agricultural commodities globally, Indian farmers face numerous challenges stemming from infrastructure deficiencies and limited market access. Although India excels in certain export categories, its productivity remains significantly below global averages.
The experts urged the creation of supportive ecosystems for both agricultural and marine exports.
This requires a unified vision across various ministries, a consistent export policy framework, improvements to cold chain, storage, and logistics infrastructure, as well as a balanced approach to land cultivation.
The event also featured the unveiling of CAIRA's inaugural Background Paper, which underscored the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades to bolster global supply chains originating in India.
The document offered actionable strategies for modernizing ports, strengthening cold chain systems, and integrating advanced technologies like blockchain and IoT to minimize post-harvest losses and boost supply chain transparency.
Participants at the roundtable highlighted the vital role of the public sector while also warning against excessive governmental intervention.
Solutions provided by the public sector for challenges faced by private entities should be implemented judiciously. The focus should be on changing mindsets necessary for transforming agricultural exports and fostering policy collaboration among various governmental and industry stakeholders.
CAIRA is a project initiated by The Infravision Foundation (TIF), aimed at reshaping India’s agricultural export landscape through research, policy advocacy, and practical solutions.
