Agri, processed food exports rise 13% to $25 bn

GROWING DEMAND

- SANDIP DAS

INDIA'S EXPORTS OF agricultural and processed food products rose by 13% year-on-year to $25.14 billion in 2024-25 compared to FY24, even though overall exports grew only marginally. The rise in farm produce shipments were driven primarily by a sharp rise of 20% in rice exports.

According to data provided by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, exports of rice, including basmati and non-basmati varieties, in 2024-25 surpassed $12.47 billion compared with $10.41 billion in the year-ago period.

The government started easing restrictions on rice exports in September 2024 on prospects of bumper output and significantly higher stocks, around a year after they were imposed. It has since removed all export restrictions, including the minimum export price, on rice shipments.