Agri-Export Policy 2018: Key Objectives and Initiatives:
Objectives:
The Agri-Export Policy 2018, formulated by the government, aims to enhance and consolidate efforts for the export of agricultural products. The key objectives include:
- Export Doubling:
- Double agricultural exports from the existing US$ 30+ billion to US$ 60+ billion by 2022.
- Further increase exports to reach US$ 100 billion in the subsequent years, ensuring a stable trade policy regime.
- Diversification:
- Diversify the export basket, explore new destinations, and boost high-value and value-added agricultural exports, particularly focusing on perishables.
- Promotion of Agri-Products:
- Promote the export of novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional, and non-traditional agricultural products.
- Institutional Mechanism:
- Establish an institutional mechanism for addressing market access issues and overcoming sanitary and phytosanitary barriers.
- Integration with Global Value Chains:
- Integrate India's agricultural exports with global value chains to enhance competitiveness.
- Farmers' Benefit:
- Enable farmers to capitalize on export opportunities in overseas markets, thereby improving their income.
Supporting Schemes and Authorities:
The Department of Commerce has implemented various schemes to promote agricultural exports, including:
- Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES): Enhances export-related infrastructure.
- Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme: Facilitates market access for Indian products.
- Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): Supports merchandise exports.
Additionally, assistance to exporters of agricultural products is available under various Export Promotion Schemes. Several authorities, such as APEDA, MPEDA, Tobacco Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board, and Spices Board, actively work to promote exports. Their initiatives include participating in international fairs and exhibitions, market intelligence dissemination, ensuring product quality, and seeking market access for different products in various markets.
The export of agricultural products is influenced by factors like international and domestic demand, supply dynamics, and considerations of food security. Regular monitoring of agricultural imports allows for timely decisions based on the prevailing situation. The comprehensive Agri-Export Policy underscores the government's commitment to boosting agricultural exports and supporting farmers in leveraging global opportunities.
