India’s exports of agricultural and processed food products rose by over 13% year-on-year to $22.67 billion during the April-February period of FY25, fueled by a sharp 21% increase in rice exports.
Rice Exports Surge; Boosts Global Shipments
According to data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, rice exports, including both basmati and non-basmati varieties, reached over $11 billion in FY25, up from $9.32 billion in the previous year.
The government eased restrictions on rice exports in September 2024 due to a bumper harvest and higher stock levels, significantly boosting global shipments.
The government initially imposed these restrictions in 2023 to ensure domestic supply but has now fully lifted them, including the minimum export price.
Experts predict that rice exports could exceed $12 billion in FY25, driven by strong demand from global markets.
India’s Global Rice Trade Dominance Restored Amid Growing Demand
India has been the largest exporter of rice for over a decade, and this year’s surge is likely to restore its dominance, particularly in markets across Africa and Southeast Asia.
India’s rice exports target for premium basmati rice in FY25 is 5 million tonnes, far outpacing its closest competitor, Pakistan, which exports less than 1 million tonnes annually.
In addition to rice, exports of buffalo meat, dairy products, and poultry rose by nearly 12%, reaching $4.61 billion during the same period, compared to $4.11 billion in FY24.
The demand for Indian buffalo meat has grown steadily over the past decade due to its high quality and nutritional value.
Fresh Produce and Cereal Shipments Contribute to Strong Export Performance
Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables also saw a rise of over 5% year-on-year to $3.39 billion, while shipments of cereal preparations grew by 9%, reaching $2.82 billion.
These gains contributed to a robust performance in the agricultural export sector for FY25.
APEDA Sets Ambitious Export Target For FY25
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set a target of $26.56 billion for FY25, with products under the APEDA basket accounting for about 51% of India’s total agricultural exports.
Other significant agricultural exports include marine products, coffee, tea, and tobacco.
With India continuing to be a key player in global food trade, its agricultural export sector remains a vital contributor to the country’s economic growth.
Increased global demand and a favorable outlook for Indian agriculture are expected to drive the strong performance in FY25 into FY26.
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