India is a country with a long history of farming and it is a major player in world agriculture. India's farming sector is the world's second largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables and a number of industrial goods. It is also a major source of foreign exchange and the main way that people in rural areas make a living. In recent years the country has made huge strides in its agricultural exports pushing the limits of both volume and value and solidifying its place as a trusted seller in global agri markets.

Major Agricultural Products Exported From India

India exports a wide range of farming goods that change all the time. These are the main types of goods that sell well on foreign markets:

Cereals

India ships more rice than any other country in the world. India sent more than 18 million tonnes of rice mostly to countries in Africa and the Middle East in FY 2024-25. This included both Basmati and other types of rice. Even though wheat exports aren't always successful because of worries about local prices they still play a big role in some years.

Spices

India controls about 45% of the world's spice trade. Spices like turmeric, cumin, chili, and cinnamon are exported a lot. People really want spices from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan because they taste great and are of good quality.

Pulses and Legumes

India is a major exporter of various pulses including chickpeas, lentils, and black gram. These protein-rich crops are in high demand in countries with large vegetarian populations and health-conscious consumers.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

India exports a variety of fresh produce including mangoes, grapes, pomegranates, onions, and potatoes. The country's diverse climate zones allow for year-round production of different crops, making it a reliable supplier to global markets.

Processed Foods

Value-added products like fruit juices, pickles, canned foods, and ready-to-eat meals are gaining popularity in international markets. These products offer higher profit margins and longer shelf life compared to fresh produce.

Key Export Destinations

India's agricultural exports reach various regions across the globe:

• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran
• Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka
• Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands
• Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil

Government Initiatives and Support

The Indian government has implemented several schemes to boost agricultural exports:

• Agricultural Export Policy (AEP) 2018
• Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme
• Cluster development programs
• Quality certification support
• Infrastructure development initiatives

Challenges and Opportunities

While India has made significant progress in agricultural exports, several challenges remain:

• Quality standardization and certification
• Post-harvest losses and storage facilities
• Transportation and logistics infrastructure
• Market access and trade barriers
• Climate change and weather dependency

However, these challenges also present opportunities for improvement and growth. With continued investment in technology, infrastructure, and farmer education, India can further strengthen its position as a leading agricultural exporter.

Future Outlook

The future of Indian agricultural exports looks promising with increasing global demand for organic and sustainable products. The government's focus on doubling farmers' income and promoting export-oriented agriculture will likely drive further growth in this sector.