Agri exports likely to cross $50 bn this fiscal

The country’s exports of agricultural products (including marine and plantation goods), increased 23.21% to US$ 31.05 billion in April-November 2021 and is expected to cross US$ 50 billion for the “first time” this fiscal, the Commerce & Industry Ministry declared. Measures to boost exports amid Covid pandemic include extension of validity of various certifications/ accreditations beyond their dates of expiry; setting up of control rooms to resolve problems; issuance of online certificates for exports; and facilitating opening up of more testing laboratories.

The ministry said that rice exports are likely to touch 21-22 million tonnes and also expects marine products exports to cross US$ 8 billion in the current fiscal year for the “first time”. “With the present level of growth, India’s agriculture exports are likely to cross US$ 50 billion for the first time, which is the highest ever in history,” it said. 

Benefits of these measures to promote exports has been shared by the farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, Varanasi (fresh vegetables, mangoes), Ananthpur (banana), and Solapur (pomegranate).