Fuelling growth of agricultural exports

The Gulf is one of the most important markets for the Indian agricultural sector, with exporters from around the country supplying a wide range of products including Basmati rice, vegetables and fruits.
And demand from the Gulf is growing dramatically, attracting many Indian producers to sell their stuff. And steering the surge in Indian exports is Delhi-based Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Says D.K. Singh, IAS, and Chairman, APEDA: "The Gulf is a big market for us, both as a consumer and also as a transhipment point." Gulfood, the world's largest food event, attracts a huge contingent of Indian participants.
Gulfood 2018 is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 18 to 22. "The Indian participation is one of the largest at the event," explains Singh. "We have booked a large amount of space, but are still not able to fulfil the requirements of Indian exporters. Many more want to participate with APEDA at the event."
According to Singh, Indian exporters are confident about the huge potential in the Gulf market and their ability to meet its needs. "Over the years they have developed very good partnerships with importers based in the Gulf," he adds.
Importers of agricultural produce from other parts of the world, including Europe and Africa, also travel to Gulfood and are keen for tie-ups with Indian partners. In fact, many of them have their agreements ready and are willing to sign it on the spot, points out Singh.
As happens at such international events, Basmati rice and other rice varieties would be the focus of the Indian participation at the event. "But we are also focusing on processed foods, ready-to-eats, health wellness food and even millets and honey," explains the APEDA chief. "We are trying to showcase some of the products grown in the Northeast, including Bhut Jololkia, a hot chilly that has been developed by farmers there and who want to export it."
Indian agricultural exporters are keen to participate in the Dubai event as it enables them to showcase their traditional and new products and also lets them know about new developments in the segment elsewhere in the world. 
Citing APEDA figures, Singh says Indian agricultural products added up to $13 billion, and Basmati rice accounted for a quarter of it. The biggest markets for Indian Basmati rice include Iran (25 per cent), Saudi Arabia (14 per cent), Iraq (10 per cent), the UAE (nine per cent), the U.K. (six per cent) and the U.S. (four per cent).
The UAE is the largest market for fresh vegetables from India, accounting for 18 per cent, followed by Bangladesh and Malaysia (12 per cent each). The Gulf and Iran are also major markets for bovine meat from India, accounting for about 25 per cent of exports.
"Most Indians in the Gulf love to have fruits from the home country, including mangoes, apples, oranges and bananas," explains Singh. "We expect the Gulf market to continue to grow and command premium products. The importers, many of who have set up warehouses and semi-processing centres, demand quality products and we are confident India would be in a position to supply the products meeting all global standards."
Even Arabs in the region prefer Indian products, which is fuelling growth of exports, he adds. 
India today has 89 products that are part of the Geographical Indication (GI) identifying them from a specific geographical origin and possessing qualities or reputation due to that origin.
While APEDA has already registered the GI of Basmati rice, it is in the process of registering a logo for the variety. "This will provide it authenticity and the buyer will be assured of the quality," says the APEDA chief.
Another significant change in agricultural exports is the plans to ensure year-round supplies of mangoes. "Our mango season lasts for almost six months and the focus on exports is for about two to three months," explains Singh. "We would now focus on mangoes that are not necessarily very popular and try to export them."
These fruits are available during December and even after in southern states including Kerala and Karnataka. "There are different tastes around the world and not all consumers would prefer sweet mangoes," he adds.
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