India’s Fruit Exports Soar: A 47.5% Surge Over Five Years

In an impressive display of growth, India’s fruit exports have surged by 47.5% in the past five years, as reported by the government during a recent session in the Rajya Sabha. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, highlighted the pivotal role of recent free trade agreements with the UAE and Australia, which have contributed significantly to the rise in fruit exports to these countries.

Key Growth in Export Markets

Prasada shared that the free trade agreement with the UAE has led to a 27% increase in fruit exports, while exports to Australia have grown by 6%. Major fruits being exported from India include:

• Mangoes
• Grapes
• Bananas
• Apples
• Pineapples
• Pomegranates
• Watermelons

He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Indian fruits meet international quality standards, with a strong focus on minimizing pesticide residues.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

During his address, Prasada assured the Rajya Sabha members that the government is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality for exported fruits. He stated, “Every product that leaves India represents our brand, and we are committed to upholding this standard.”

To achieve this, the government has focused on:

• Implementing stringent quality controls.
• Reducing pesticide levels in exported fruits.
• Addressing challenges in the supply chain.

Advancements in Export Infrastructure

In a written response, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, outlined several initiatives to bolster the fresh fruit trade. These measures include:

• Development of post-harvest handling facilities.
• Establishing a cold chain network.
• Utilizing advanced treatment facilities like Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and Hot Water Treatment (HWT) to combat pests.

Additionally, exporters and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are actively participating in international trade fairs, such as Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong and MACFRUIT in Italy, to promote Indian fruits globally.

Expanding Global Reach

Currently, India exports fresh fruits to over 85 countries. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) collaborates with the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) to facilitate entry into new markets, including Australia, Europe, and the USA.

Recent achievements in market access include:

• Fresh bananas exported to Canada.
• Pomegranate arils reaching Australia, USA, Serbia, and New Zealand.
• Whole pomegranates exported to Australia via irradiation treatment.

Significant Export Growth

The government’s proactive measures have resulted in a substantial increase in fruit exports, with values rising from USD 668.7 million in 2019-20 to USD 986.3 million by 2023-24. The quantity of exports has also seen a remarkable increase, climbing from 7.55 lakh MT to 12.76 lakh MT, marking a 69% growth.

The focus on developing sea protocols for perishable goods, particularly fresh fruits, is expected to enhance export volumes, especially to distant markets, while ensuring competitive pricing. The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is actively developing these protocols for various fruits, including bananas, pomegranates, mangoes, oranges, and pineapples.

India’s commitment to expanding its fruit export capabilities showcases the nation’s potential on the global stage, promising substantial benefits for farmers and stakeholders alike.