Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, has projected that India’s agriculture exports will increase from Rs 4.5 lakh crore to Rs 20 lakh crore if more attention is placed on food processing, quality branding, and packaging.
Speaking at the ICC Krishi Vikram session in New Delhi, he stated that India’s agricultural footprint is growing globally, with jamun, litchi, and pineapple entering new markets. He revealed that jamun was sold to the UK, while litchis from Punjab were sent to Doha and Dubai. India’s exports are increasing in markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states, encouraged by the International Year of Millets campaign.
Goyal emphasised the importance of a resilient supply chain, which includes seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, to boost farm exports. He pushed for increasing drip irrigation to increase water efficiency and climate resilience. Efficient water management and smart irrigation could increase productivity while lowering losses.
Blockchain-based certification will benefit natural and organic farming by providing traceability. Government initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and e-NAM platform integration are assisting the sector. Goyal asserted that these actions would turn agriculture into an engine of growth for India.
