Agri-Export Revolution: Indian PM Modi’s Policies Propel Historic First Shipments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector is clearly illustrated by the diverse range of exports that India has initiated in recent years. Notably, India’s unique GI-tagged Purandar figs have been making their mark in Europe.
In 2024, under the Modi government’s facilitation, the first ready-to-drink fig juice from these figs was exported to Poland, following an earlier export to Germany in 2022. Known for their distinct taste and texture, Purandar figs have become a significant emblem of India’s agro-product diversity on the global stage.
Adding to the variety, fiber and mineral-rich dragon fruit, locally known as ‘Kamalam,’ were exported for the first time to London and Bahrain in 2021. These fruits were sourced from the farmers in Gujarat’s Kutch region and West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, respectively.
In another significant stride, 2023 saw the first trial shipment of fresh ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranates to the U.S. This variety, mainly cultivated in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, represents nearly half of the pomegranate exports from India.
From the Northeast, 2021 marked the first-ever export of Burmese grapes, known locally as ‘Leteku,’ from Assam to Dubai via Delhi, showcasing the region’s rich and exotic produce. That same year, fresh jackfruit from Tripura reached Germany, a testament to the efforts to integrate India’s northeastern states into the global agricultural and processed food products export market.
Furthermore, the ‘Raja Mircha’ or king chili from Nagaland made its way to London for the first time in 2021, overcoming challenges related to its perishable nature and showcasing India’s capability in managing specialized agro-exports.
The first consignment of iron-rich ‘red rice,’ grown in Assam’s Brahmaputra valley without chemical fertilizers and known locally as ‘Bao-dhaan,’ was exported to the USA in 2021, boosting India’s rice export potential.
Lastly, in 2022, the first consignment of GI Tagged “Vazhakulam Pineapple” from Kerala was sent to Dubai & Sharjah, UAE, promoting better income opportunities for pineapple farmers and enhancing the visibility of their products in the international market.
