New Delhi: On its 38th Foundation Day, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) takes pride in its remarkable journey, steering India’s agricultural exports to unprecedented heights. From its modest beginning with annual exports of USD 0.6 billion in 1987-88, APEDA’s proactive interventions have propelled agricultural exports to a staggering USD 26.7 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, contributing a substantial 51% to India’s agri-exports.
The fiscal period 2022-23 witnessed India’s agricultural exports reaching USD 53.1 billion, with APEDA playing a pivotal role in this success story. The export basket, spanning over 200 countries, reflects an admirable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12%. In the period from April to December 2023, 18 out of 23 Principal Commodities (PCs) in APEDA’s export basket showcased positive growth, with 13 large PCs experiencing an average growth rate of 12%.
Fresh fruits emerged as a standout performer, recording an impressive growth of 29%. Processed vegetables, Miscellaneous processed items, Basmati Rice, and Fresh Vegetables also exhibited substantial growth during this period. India’s footprint in fresh fruits exports expanded to 111 countries, compared to 102 destinations in the previous year, emphasizing the growing global demand for Indian agricultural products.
During April-November 2023, key commodities such as Bananas, Lentils (dried and shelled), Fresh eggs, Kesar, and Dasheri Mango witnessed significant growth rates of 63%, 110%, 160%, 120%, and 140%, respectively.
Basmati rice, a flagship commodity in India’s export portfolio, witnessed a surge in export value by 19%, reaching USD 3.97 billion during April-December 2023, compared to USD 3.33 billion in the previous year. The quantity of Basmati rice exports also experienced notable growth of 11%, reaching 35.43 lakh metric tons. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and the UAE emerged as the top five destinations for Basmati rice exports, underscoring its enduring popularity and global demand.
As APEDA commemorates its 38th Foundation Day, the authority remains dedicated to fostering agricultural exports, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth and global market presence.