Can India's Agricultural Exports Reach Rs 20 Lakh Crore with Better Processing and Branding?

New Delhi, July 9 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced that India's agriculture and fisheries exports have currently reached Rs 4.5 lakh crore. He emphasized that this figure could potentially soar to Rs 20 lakh crore if the nation enhances its food processing capabilities and elevates the standards of branding and packaging.

During the ‘ICC: Krishi Vikram Thematic Session’, Goyal highlighted the expanding agricultural export portfolio, which now includes commodities like litchi, pineapple, bottle gourd, and jamun that were previously not exported but are now finding their way into international markets.

He cited recent exports of jamun to the UK and litchis from Punjab to Doha and Dubai, noting that India’s presence in global markets, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations, is growing.

Additionally, he underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global advocacy for millets during the International Year of Millets, which has garnered worldwide attention for India's traditional grains and their nutritional benefits.

The minister pointed out that collaborative efforts among farmers, industries, and exporters lead to more effective resolution of challenges. He assured that government aid would be available for enhancing packaging and design to boost exports.

Goyal stressed the importance of establishing a robust supply chain in agriculture, covering everything from seeds to fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and essential equipment like water pumps. He emphasized that India must be equipped to handle any global disruptions in agricultural imports to achieve self-reliance in all farm input sectors.

The minister noted that drip irrigation could revolutionize India's agriculture, especially in regions dependent on rain. He called for the widespread adoption of water conservation strategies, such as drip irrigation, to create small water bodies at the village level. These initiatives would not only increase productivity but also stabilize exports by ensuring crop reliability.

He also mentioned the advantages of replacing outdated water pumps with smaller, energy-efficient models that can be controlled remotely via mobile devices, offering insights into water usage and assisting farmers in managing irrigation. When paired with drip systems, these innovations can significantly minimize water wastage and the risks associated with over-irrigation.

Furthermore, he stated that energy-efficient pumps, along with drip irrigation, could lower input costs and enhance the sustainability of farming practices. By decreasing electricity consumption and optimizing water use, these technologies will provide direct benefits to farmers and bolster long-term agricultural productivity.

The minister called upon agricultural entrepreneurs to partner with farmers to harness this potential. He referenced the recent establishment of the Turmeric Board as a significant move to enhance spice exports. He also noted that coffee exports have doubled in recent years and emphasized the need for more focused efforts to expand spice exports.

He pointed out that natural and organic farming holds tremendous potential, with the government tightening certification standards for organic products using blockchain technology to ensure trust and traceability. He added that the government would also support improved packaging and product design to enhance India's agricultural goods' visibility and competitiveness on the global stage.

Goyal remarked that the transformation of Indian agriculture has been both challenging and inspiring. He acknowledged the strength of India’s soil, the relentless efforts of farmers, and continuous government support, all contributing to India’s growing self-sufficiency in agriculture. He recalled that agriculture has always been a national priority, from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He mentioned that under the PM-Kisan Yojana, every farmer receives annual financial support. The government has also curtailed fertilizer price hikes by expanding subsidies significantly.

He revealed that 1,400 mandis have been strengthened and linked to the e-NAM platform to facilitate transparent price discovery. Farmers are being supported through Farmer Producer Organisations for mechanization access, and a Rs 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is aiding in the development of agricultural infrastructure.

Goyal also highlighted the Drone Didi initiative, which has trained 1.5 lakh women to operate drones for fertilizer application. He encouraged the promotion of intercropping, horticulture, and floriculture, urging agricultural entrepreneurs to adopt international best practices and innovations for Indian farms.