India’s Agri-Exports Rise in Q1 FY26, Driven by Strong Rice Shipments

New Delhi: India’s agricultural and processed food exports saw a robust start in FY26, growing by 7% year-on-year to reach $5.96 billion in the April–June quarter (Q1), according to official data.

Rice remained the cornerstone of India’s agricultural exports. Combined shipments of basmati and non-basmati rice rose by 3.5% in Q1, totaling $2.9 billion.

This follows a record-setting FY25, where rice exports hit $12.47 billion — a 20% increase from the previous fiscal year. India has held the top position as the world’s largest rice exporter for over a decade, currently commanding 40% of global rice trade.

The recent export surge comes on the heels of the government lifting restrictions — including the minimum export price — in late 2024, a move made possible by surplus stock and record harvests.

Exports of buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry also showed strong growth, rising 17% year-on-year to $1.18 billion in Q1. India has firmly established itself as the world’s second-largest buffalo meat exporter, with key markets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, and Iraq. These exports are overseen by APEDA through certified integrated meat plants regularly audited to meet global standards.

Meanwhile, exports of fruits and vegetables rose by 13% to $0.95 billion, highlighting increasing global demand for Indian produce.

Products under APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) contributed significantly to the export growth. In FY25, APEDA-coordinated exports totaled $25.14 billion, marking a 12% increase over FY24. These products now make up 51% of India’s total agricultural exports. The remaining share includes marine products, tobacco, coffee, and tea.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently remarked that India’s agricultural sector has made remarkable progress due to supportive government policies, fiscal incentives, low trade barriers, and enhanced global access through free trade agreements (FTAs) with developed nations like Australia, the UAE, EFTA countries, and the UK.

With inputs from IANS