India Set for Remarkable Growth in Agricultural Exports by 2025: Report
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New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) With the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, technological innovations, and initiatives to enhance exports, India is positioned to experience notable growth in its agricultural export sector in 2025, according to a report released on Friday.
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have become vital in enhancing the economic status of Indian farmers, particularly smallholders, as noted in the report by Praxis Global Alliance.
By consolidating resources, FPOs enable farmers to gain collective bargaining power, ensuring access to quality inputs at reduced costs while facilitating entry into markets.
“A prime illustration of a successful FPO model is Amul, the dairy cooperative, which has empowered millions of small farmers by offering fair prices and access to a vast market network,” stated Akshat Gupta, Practice Leader, Food and Agriculture at Praxis Global Alliance.
India’s agricultural sector is a fundamental component of its economy, employing around 42 percent of the population and contributing 18 percent to the GDP.
The report indicates that by establishing Mega Food Parks and investing in cold chain logistics, India can significantly mitigate post-harvest losses and enhance the shelf-life of its produce, allowing access to high-value international markets.
Australia’s achievements in boosting agricultural exports can be attributed to the Farm Export Facilitation Program (FEFP), which optimizes logistics, creates export hubs, and improves market access through favorable trade agreements.
“By refining regulations and bolstering infrastructure, Australia has markedly increased its exports. India could adopt a similar approach, resolving regulatory challenges and enhancing infrastructural support,” added Madhur Singhal, Managing Partner, Food and Agriculture at Praxis Global Alliance.
Investments in value-added technologies can greatly enhance export revenues. For instance, transforming raw milk into products such as milk powder, whey protein, and cheese opens lucrative international markets.
Countries like New Zealand have effectively diversified their dairy exports by investing in milk-processing technologies. Likewise, India can concentrate on processing high-value crops like fruits into juices and concentrates or converting spices into essential oils and dairy into powders and cheeses to meet niche export demands.
Private sector involvement is crucial in enhancing India’s agricultural competitiveness. Through investments in technology and innovation, various new initiatives can be undertaken to help farmers maximize yields and minimize costs and post-harvest losses.
“Looking forward to the next year, there is a strong sense of optimism,” the report concluded.
