'India's agri exports to cross $300 billion in seven years'

There is a need for a long-term sustainable policy for attracting more investments in the sector and increasing private partnerships in rural and remote areas, says D S Rawat, ASSOCHAM General Secretary The Dollar Business Bureau

The State's mine owners recently had written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to abolish the export duty

Aided by factors like policy stabilization, institutional support, awareness about safety norms and infrastructure development, India’s agricultural exports are expected to cross $300 billion mark by 2023, projected an Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) study. During the past decade, the country’s agri exports (including tea, coffee and marine products) have grown almost eight times from around $5 billion in 2003 to over $39 billion in 2013, thereby clocking a growth rate of over 21%. However, a host of factors like inefficient economics of scale, high level intermediation, improper storage, procurement and distribution infrastructure, poor food safety norms, adherence as well as lack of consistency in supply and quality, cost competitiveness due to statutory changes and research for processable grades, remain key barriers obstructing the trade growth, the study said. D S Rawat, National Secretary General, ASSOCHAM, suggested a long-term policy for attracting more investments in the sector and increasing private partnerships in rural and remote areas. “Promotion of Agri Export Zone (AEZ) concept can not only help in boosting the export earnings, but also provides benefits to raise productivity, quality, up-gradation of technology, farmer’s skills and income, besides facilitating development of internationally competitive production base and creation of employment,” said Rawat. The industry body suggests that the government should look to bring in private players for developing existing AEZs on a public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Integration of government's various schemes like Mega Food Parks and Cold Storage schemes with AEZs and introduction of a certification zoning system within the area to facilitate high value export promotion of organic produce, focus on creating Indian brands, incentivizing research and innovation are among other key recommendations suggested by the study.

January 09, 2015 | 2:58pm IST.

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The Dollar Business Bureau - Jan 09, 2016 09:26 IST

'India's agri exports to cross $300 billion in seven years'

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