Synopsis
India's agricultural exports, under the Modi government, are making significant strides as fruit shipments enter western markets for the first time. This growth, alongside record rice exports, is enhancing farmer incomes and expanding India's global agricultural footprint.Key Takeaways
- Record growth in agricultural exports.
- First shipments of pomegranates to Australia.
- GI tagging boosts market access for specialty fruits.
- Dragon fruit exported to London and Bahrain.
- Significant rice export growth with red rice to the US.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) India’s agricultural exports have achieved remarkable milestones under the Modi administration, with the nation’s fruit shipments entering profitable markets in the West for the very first time. Additionally, the export of rice has seen unprecedented growth, leading to increased earnings for farmers.
“From unique fruits to traditional staples, these inaugural shipments showcase how the Modi government’s vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat is generating fresh opportunities for Indian farmers,” stated a senior official from the agriculture ministry in an interview with IANS.
In a noteworthy achievement for agricultural exports, India successfully dispatched its first-ever shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia via sea. This breakthrough allows for bulk exports at reduced transport costs, significantly improving India’s fresh fruit market access in Australia and opening doors for more Indian produce to integrate into global supply chains.
Indian pomegranates have gained traction among Western consumers, particularly after the country made a significant advance in the American market by exporting its first trial shipment of fresh pomegranates via air to the US in 2023. The Bhagwa pomegranate from Maharashtra boasts considerable export potential, with nearly 50% of the country's pomegranate exports emanating from the Solapur district.
The official further emphasized that the Modi Government’s GI tagging initiative for fruits has bolstered the market for India’s specialty fruits.
India’s distinctive GI-tagged Purandar figs are now gaining popularity in Europe. In 2024, the Modi government facilitated the export of India’s inaugural ready-to-drink fig juice, crafted from Purandar figs, to Poland. This follows earlier exports to Germany in 2022. Purandar figs are celebrated for their unique flavors and textures, marking a significant accomplishment in promoting India's distinctive agro-products on the international stage.
In 2022, India also initiated the first shipment of GI Tagged “Vazhakulam Pineapple” from Vazhakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala to Dubai and Sharjah, UAE. This initiative will enhance the income of pineapple farmers and promote their product in the global market.
As part of India’s strategy to diversify its fruit exports, the fiber and mineral-rich dragon fruit, locally known as ‘Kamalam’, was dispatched to London and Bahrain in 2021. The consignment sent to London was sourced from farmers in Gujarat’s Kutch region, while the one to Bahrain came from West Midnapore in West Bengal.
The Northeast region has also witnessed significant gains; in 2021, the first shipment of Burmese grapes, known as ‘leteku’ in Assamese, was sent from Guwahati to Dubai via Delhi. This export has elevated Assam’s exotic produce to the global stage.
Similarly, Germany experienced the freshness of India’s jackfruit from Tripura in 2021. This marked the first air shipment of fresh jackfruit from Tripura to Germany, with an initial consignment of one metric tonne being dispatched from Agartala.
In 2021, to further bolster exports of GI products from the northeastern region, a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’, also known as king chilli from Nagaland, was exported to London via Guwahati for the first time. Despite its perishable nature, this successful air shipment underscored India’s expertise in handling specialized agro-exports.
In a significant boost to India’s rice export potential, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was dispatched to the US in 2021. This iron-rich ‘red rice’ is cultivated in Assam’s Brahmaputra valley without the use of chemical fertilizers and is commonly referred to as ‘Bao-dhaan’, an essential component of Assamese cuisine.
India’s agricultural expansion has significantly enhanced overall rice exports. The most recent data indicates that India’s total rice exports surged by an impressive 44.61% to $1.37 billion in January 2025, up from $0.95 billion in January 2024, establishing it as a major driver of growth in the country’s overseas merchandise sector, reflecting the resilience of the nation’s farming industry.
