Can India hit $40 Bn High- Value Agri-Exports by 2035?

India’s agricultural export journey stands at a pivotal turning point. The focus is now steadily shifting from low-margin bulk commodities to high-value, organic, and processed foods.

- AJAY KAKRA, Associate Partner, Food and Agriculture, Government Infrastructure and Development Sector Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars India

These are also the products that command premium pricing and cater to global consumer trends. This transformation is not just policy-driven but is now being operationalised across value chains through targeted government interventions, industry participation, and a growing appetite among global buyers for Indian-origin, culturally rooted, and sustainably produced foods.

Beyond 2018 Agri Export Policy

Though the Agriculture Export Policy (AEP), introduced in 2018, provided a foundational roadmap, real momentum has come in recent years through infrastructure improvements, digital traceability tools, and export-focused reforms. India is no longer just aspiring to become a serious player in the agri-exports industry; it is now actively positioning itself as a leader in organic and processed food segments.

The implementation of Schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing at the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY) has been a notable shift. These have catalysed private investment into food processing and value addition.

These initiatives have brought state-of-the-art packaging units, decentralised processing clusters, and improved cold chain infrastructure to key agricultural belts across India. At the same time, the digitisation of traceability systems like blockchain integration in spices piloted by APEDA has significantly enhanced India’s credibility as a supplier that meets rigorous international quality standards.

Mango Exports: From Gujarat to the US

In Odisha, mango exports from the tribal district of Dhenkanal to the UK and Italy have created a blueprint for how FPO-led, women-managed agri-export clusters can transform rural economies.

Farmers involved in this initiative witnessed an income rise tenfold, underscoring how strategic support and export exposure can dramatically raise the value realisation for Indian producers.