Agricultural Exports Touched A Record Of $50 Billion In 2021-22: Government

Agricultural products exports for 2021-22 crossed $50 billion, the highest level ever achieved for agriculture outbound shipments, a Commerce Ministry statement has said.

Wheat has recorded an unprecedented growth of more than 273 per cent, jumping nearly four-fold from $568 million in 2020-21 to touch close to $2119 million in 2021-22.

India has captured nearly 50 per cent of the world market for rice, it added.

According to provisional figures, agricultural exports grew by 19.92 per cent during 2021-22 to touch $50.21 billion. The growth rate is remarkable as it is over and above the growth of 17.66 per cent, at $41.87 billion, achieved in 2020-21, the statement added.

Official sources said that this has been achieved in spite of unprecedented logistical challenges in the form of high freight rates and container shortages among other factors.

They further informed that highest ever exports have also been achieved for staples like rice ($9.65 billion), wheat ($2.19 billion), sugar ($4.6 billion) and other cereals ($1.08 billion).

Increase in exports of these products has benefitted farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal among others, the statement said.

Export of marine products, at $7.71 billion, is also the highest ever, benefitting farmers in the coastal states.

Spices exports touched $4 billion for second year in a row. Despite facing tremendous supply side issues, coffee exports have crossed $1 billion for the first time, which has improved realisations for coffee growers in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, official sources said.