Stable Agri-Export Policy Needed to Achieve USD 100 Billion Export Target: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey has reported that India needs a stable and predictable agricultural export policy to achieve its goal of USD 100 billion in agri-related exports, warning that frequent policy changes hurt exporters and weaken India’s position in global markets.

The Economic Survey said India aims to reach USD 100 billion in combined exports of agriculture, marine products, and food and beverages within the next four years. This is almost double the current level. In 2024-25, India’s agricultural exports stood at USD 51.1 billion. The Survey said this target is achievable, but only if export policies remain consistent and long-term.

India is the world’s second-largest agricultural producer by value. Despite this scale, the country accounts for only 2.2% of global agricultural exports, according to World Trade Organisation data. This share has increased from 1.1% in 2000, but it remains low when compared to India’s production capacity. The Survey described this gap as a major untapped opportunity.

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The Survey pointed out that India’s agri-exports have shown strong growth over the medium term. Between 2019–20 and 2024–25, agricultural exports grew at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%. This was faster than overall merchandise exports, which grew at 6.9% during the same period. This shows that agriculture has the potential to outperform other export sectors.

However, the Survey also flagged a worrying trend. Agricultural exports have remained flat between 2022–23 and 2024–25. This stagnation came at a time when global agricultural trade continued to expand. agri-exporter rose from USD 2.3 trillion in 2022 to USD 2.4 trillion in 2024. The Survey said India missed opportunities during this period due to policy uncertainty.

According to the Survey, sudden export bans, stock limits, and frequent changes in trade rules disrupt supply chains. These actions create uncertainty for global buyers who prefer stable and reliable suppliers. Once buyers shift to other countries, it becomes difficult for Indian exporters to regain lost markets.

The Survey compared India’s approach with major agricultural exporters such as Brazil, Australia, and the United States. These countries follow predictable export policies and rarely impose sudden restrictions. This policy stability helps them build long-term trade relationships and command higher value in global markets.

The Survey also stressed the need to move beyond raw commodity exports. It said India must focus more on processed food, marine products, and value-added agri-goods. Better storage, cold chains, ports, and food processing facilities will help farmers and exporters earn more without affecting domestic food security.

The Economic Survey made it clear that production alone is not enough. Stable export policies, strong infrastructure, and value addition are required to turn India into a major global agri-exporter. Without policy certainty, the USD 100 billion export target will remain difficult to achieve.

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