India’s Fruit Exports Break New Ground In Rich Markets

New Delhi: India’s agricultural exports have broken new ground under the Modi government with shipments of the country’s fruits entering lucrative markets in the west for the first time and exports of rice posting a record growth, enabling farmers to earn higher incomes.

“From exotic fruits to traditional staples, these first-ever shipments highlight how the Modi government’s vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat is creating new opportunities for Indian farmers,” a senior agriculture ministry official told media. He pointed out that in a significant milestone for agricultural exports, India successfully sent its first-ever shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia via sea. This breakthrough, which will lead to bulk exports at low transport costs, enhances India’s fresh fruit market access in Australia, paving the way for more Indian produce to enter global supply chains.

India pomegranates have proved successful among Western customers after the country took a big step toward expanding its presence in the American market by exporting its first-ever trial shipment of fresh pomegranates via air to the US in 2023. Bhagwa pomegranate from Maharashtra has substantial export potential and almost 50 per cent of the fruit’s export from the country is from the state’s Solapur district. The official also highlighted that the Modi Government’s GI tagging of fruits has helped to augment the market for India’s special fruits.