India Region

Indian agriculture exports exceed $50 billion

04 April 2022, New Delhi: India is expected to achieve a record $50 billion of agriculture exports in FY22, driven by a host of items that includes cereals (rice and wheat), marine products, spices and sugar, among others, commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday.

On wheat exports in FY23, Goyal said it is likely to exceed 10 million tonnes.

Sources said that the Centre was even hopeful of doubling exports to almost 15 million tonnes in FY23, from over 7 million tonnes in FY22.

The minister was addressing a press conference called to announce the highest-ever total merchandise exports from India in FY22.

“Higher agricultural exports signify the ability of Indian farmers to meet the requirements of the 135-crore population and yet produce a surplus to export to the rest of the world,” said Goyal.

He said till March 21, 2021, the total agriculture exports was to the tune of around $40.35 billion. This, till March 21, 2022, had already crossed $48.59 billion.

“I am sure that in the next 10 days, exports will have topped $50 billion,” Goyal said.

On wheat exports, he said Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are emerging as major destinations for wheat exports. Also, the state governments there have been actively promoting exports.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had held three meetings with top exporters and others to boost overseas trade. He also agreed to waive off the mandi tax for exported wheat from the state.

“Wheat exports will pick up from all ports in the coming days,” another official said.

In 2018-19, the central government unveiled an ambitious policy that seeks to double agri exports to $60 billion by 2022. It also planned to do away with arbitrary curbs on exports.

Aiming to push India into the list of the top-10 agri exporting nations, the policy has been backed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).