India, the seventh-largest agricultural exporter in the world, holds a vast opportunity to expand its global agricultural trade share, currently standing at a modest 2.4%. With a total global agricultural trade valued at Rs. 1,71,80,00,00 crore (US$ 2 trillion), there is significant growth potential for India to increase its contribution to this market. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Mr. Abhishek Dev pointed out that India’s agricultural exports reached approximately Rs. 4,29,50,00,00 crore (US$ 50 billion) in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with ambitions to break records in the near future.

This growth trajectory is especially important as India has the potential to become a major player in the global agricultural market. However, the country’s current market share remains relatively small. This discrepancy presents a huge opportunity to expand India’s footprint in global agricultural trade, particularly in areas like value-added products and organic produce.

Focus on Value-Added Goods

One of the key strategies for enhancing India's share in global agricultural trade is the promotion of value-added goods. Instead of relying solely on raw agricultural commodities, India is increasingly focusing on transforming its agricultural products into higher-value offerings. This includes processed foods, packaged goods, and other products that have higher demand in international markets.

By emphasizing value-added exports, India can command better prices for its agricultural products while simultaneously creating more jobs and boosting its manufacturing capacity. This strategy aligns with the government's vision to transform India into a global agri-export hub by focusing on products that appeal to international buyers for their quality and innovation.

Expanding the Organic Market Presence

Another critical area of focus for India's agricultural export strategy is the organic market, which is estimated to be worth around Rs. 1,26,27,30 crore (US$ 147 billion) globally. Mr. Dev highlighted the government's goal of quadrupling India’s organic exports within the next five years. Organic agriculture represents one of the fastest-growing segments in global food trade, and India is well-positioned to capture a larger share of this market due to its vast agricultural land, favorable climate, and increasing consumer demand for organic produce.

India has been steadily increasing its organic farming practices, and the country is already one of the top exporters of organic products, including grains, pulses, and spices. As international demand for organic food continues to rise, India’s role in this sector is expected to grow, particularly with the support of initiatives aimed at improving the organic certification process, developing infrastructure, and promoting sustainability.

Indusfood 2025 Exhibition: A Gateway to Global Trade

In a major effort to bridge the gap in global agricultural trade, the Indusfood 2025 exhibition in Greater Noida will play a pivotal role in connecting Indian agricultural producers with international buyers. The event, set to be held with over 2,300 exhibitors from 30 countries and 7,500 international buyers, is expected to provide a platform for international collaboration, innovation, and business growth in the agricultural sector.

Indusfood 2025 will feature specialized fairs, including Indusfood Manufacturing and Indusfood Agritech, which will highlight India’s advancements in food processing, packaging technology, and agricultural innovation. These events will not only help boost India’s agricultural exports but also provide farmers with opportunities to engage with global markets, improving their income potential and ensuring the sustainability of their businesses.

By creating opportunities for Indian agricultural producers to showcase their capabilities, the Indusfood exhibition will strengthen India’s position in the global agricultural trade and promote greater international cooperation. This initiative will help Indian agricultural exporters gain a deeper understanding of market needs and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Enhancing Farmers’ Income Potential

One of the primary objectives of India’s push to increase its share in global agricultural trade is to improve the income potential of farmers. By tapping into international markets and increasing the export of both raw and processed agricultural goods, farmers in India will gain access to better price points, helping them to improve their livelihoods and achieve financial stability.

India's agricultural exporters are becoming increasingly focused on building direct relationships with international buyers, ensuring that products meet international standards and consumer preferences. This focus on quality and consistency will allow Indian farmers to participate in lucrative markets, especially those requiring high-quality, value-added, and organic products.

Government Support for Agricultural Exports

The Indian government has been proactive in creating a supportive environment for agricultural exports. This includes offering financial incentives, enhancing export promotion programs, and strengthening trade agreements with key international partners. India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has worked alongside organizations like APEDA to streamline the process for exporters, reduce barriers to entry in foreign markets, and ensure that India’s agricultural products remain competitive on the global stage.

In addition to government support, the rise of agri-tech innovation and advancements in food processing technologies have enabled Indian producers to meet the growing demand for high-quality agricultural products. These advancements also ensure that India’s exports can withstand the challenges posed by market fluctuations and changing consumer preferences.

Conclusion

India’s agricultural trade sector is on the cusp of a major transformation. With record exports already achieved in 2023-24, there is a strong drive to further enhance the country’s share in the global agricultural market. By focusing on value-added goods, expanding its presence in the organic market, and leveraging international trade platforms like Indusfood 2025, India is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global agricultural trade. The focus on improving farmers' income potential and supporting agriculture innovation will drive sustainable growth, ensuring that India remains competitive and a preferred partner in global agricultural trade.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Sat Kartar Shopping,Barflex Polyfilms and Laxmi Dental.

The Current active IPO are Standard Glass Lining, Quadrant Future, Capital Infra Trust, Delta Autocorp, Avax Apparels, B R Goyal.