India's Agricultural Exports Growth
India's agricultural exports have been increasing at a faster rate than the overall merchandise exports. During April-September 2025, the value of farm produce exports reached $25.9 billion, showing an 8.8% increase from $23.8 billion in the same period of 2024. This is in contrast to the 2.9% growth in total goods exports, which rose from $213.7 billion to $219.9 billion.
Export Growth Drivers
- Non-basmati rice: The growth is attributed to the lifting of export restrictions, with exports likely to surpass the $6.5 billion record of the last fiscal.
- Buffalo meat: Expected to exceed the previous high of $4.8 billion in 2014-15.
- Marine products: Exports increased by 17.4% in the first half of the fiscal year, potentially surpassing the $8.1 billion peak of 2022-23.
- Coffee: Exports have more than doubled from $738.9 million in 2019-20 to $1.8 billion in 2024-25, with a likely top of $2 billion in the current fiscal.
- Fruits and Vegetables: There has been steady growth in both fresh and processed forms.
Volatility and Trends
Indian farm exports have shown volatility over the past decade, with fluctuations in international agri-commodity prices. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index has influenced these trends.
- FAO's index dropped from 119.1 points in 2013-14 to 90 points in 2015-16, climbed to 140.6 points subsequently, and then reduced again.
- Export clampdowns on various produce have been part of India's inflation-containment policy.
Impacting Factors
- Global prices and Trump tariffs are influencing the second half of 2025-26 exports.
- Positive prospects include a potential trade deal with the US and reduced tariffs on certain Indian export items.
Import Trends
India’s farm produce imports have increased by 5.9% during April-September 2025, reaching $19.5 billion, compared to overall imports growth of 4.5%.
Key Import Commodities
- Vegetable oils: Imports increased by 13.5%, nearing the $20.8 billion high of 2022-23.
- Pulses: Imports hit $5.5 billion in 2024-25 but declined due to a bumper domestic crop.
- Fresh fruits and raw cotton: Imports have expanded significantly, with the US being a key supplier.
