India's Farm Exports Reach a Record High of $53.15 Billion

• 10 May 2023

Recently, provisional data from the Department of Commerce reveals that in the fiscal year 2022-23, India's farm exports reached a record high of $53.15 billion, surpassing the previous year's figure of $50.24 billion.

This data provides an early indication of the positive growth and performance of India's agricultural sector in terms of exports.

• Trade Surplus and Imports: Total farm exports reached $53.15 billion in 2022-23, surpassing the previous year's record.
• Agricultural trade surplus slightly decreased from $17.82 billion to $17.46 billion.
• Import of fertilizers rose from $14.17 billion to $17.21 billion, narrowing the surplus further.
• Fluctuations in Global Prices: Between 2013-14 and 2015-16, exports declined due to a drop in global prices.
• The UN Food and Agriculture Organization's Food Price Index (FPI) decreased during that period.
• The FPI has since recovered, making India's agricultural commodities more price competitive and leading to increased exports.
• Major Export Contributors: Marine products, non-basmati rice, and sugar have been significant contributors to India's agricultural exports.
• Marine product exports grew steadily, reaching $8.08 billion in 2022-23.
• Non-basmati rice exports more than doubled, reaching $6.36 billion.
• Sugar exports reached $5.77 billion, making India the world's second-largest exporter.
• Decline in Exports for Some Items: Spices, buffalo meat, raw cotton, guar gum, and oil meals have seen a decline in exports.
• Spice exports stagnated after reaching almost $4 billion in 2020-21.
• Buffalo meat exports never recovered to their peak of $4.78 billion in 2014-15.
• Imports Profile: India's imports of farm produce are dominated by vegetable oils.
• Vegetable oil imports more than doubled from $9.67 billion to $20.84 billion.
• Dependence on imports for vegetable oils decreased to about 10% for pulses.
• Declining International Prices: The latest FPI reading shows a decline, which may impact India's agri-exports.
• Domestic Concerns: Food inflation fears ahead of the 2024 national elections may impact trade.
• Government measures, such as export bans and restrictions, have been implemented in response.
• Potential Impact of Southwest Monsoon: If the southwest monsoon season delivers subnormal rainfall, more export curbs and import liberalization can be expected.