Examine the pattern and trend of agricultural exports of India. In this context, explain how India can improve its global competitiveness in agricultural exports. (Answer in 250 words)

India has been one of the major exporter of agri-product especially cereals to the world. However India's total export account only 2.4% of total global agri trade. Pattern/trend of agri export of India: a) Positive: (1) Leader in cereal export - Basmati rice, wheat and millets (2) Consistent increase in agri export post pandemic till 2023 (3) Export destinations: Europe, US, Latin America & Africa. (4) Horizontal crop export to han- (5) Minimal contribution of high value product in export basket (6) Falling to meet sanitary & phyto- sanitary criteria in many cases.

whom impot improvement in export. b) Negatives: (1) Lack of product diversification - with major value coming from cereals. (2) Stiff competition from other nations like Brazil and NC African nations (3) Falling short of 600 billion target by 2022 (4) Decline of export in 2023-29. (5) Minimal contribution of high value product in export basket (6) Failing to meet sanitary & phyto- sanitary criteria in many cases. Measures for India to improve global competitiveness in export: (1) Product diversification by-

focusing more on lower like millets that are in demand in global market and require minimal investment. (2) Stable foreign policy of agri products to avoid abrupt embargo in export due to price fluctuations. (3) Skilling of farmers in modern technique to meet any and phytosanity criteria. (4) Food processing of dairy, meat and marine products if increased will open up the high value global market. (5) Increased focus on organic products and to wider spread certification by NPOP can improve export (6) The improved access for Indian agri products to global market will help Indian economic outcomes and double farmers income- Athok Dalwai committee