Agriculture exports up 2.8 pc to USD 52.55 bn in 2025-26

India's agricultural and allied product exports reached USD 52.55 billion in FY2025-26, registering a 2.8% growth over the previous year — an all-time high f...

What Happened

India's agricultural and allied product exports reached USD 52.55 billion in FY2025-26, registering a 2.8% growth over the previous year — an all-time high for the sector.
Marine products contributed the single largest share, with seafood exports crossing ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) — a record — driven by frozen shrimp, which alone accounted for over two-thirds of marine export earnings.
Pulses exports surged 21.83% to USD 948.11 million, underscoring India's growing role in global protein supply chains.
Fresh fruit exports grew 12.89% to USD 1.32 billion, while vegetable oil exports expanded 15.88% to USD 732.15 million.
Plantation products (including coffee, tea, spices, and cashew) and processed food segments also showed positive momentum.
Growth was achieved despite global headwinds including the West Asia conflict's disruption of maritime trade routes and elevated freight costs.

Static Topic Bridges

APEDA — Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

APEDA is a statutory authority established under the APEDA Act, 1985, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its mandate is to promote and develop the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, fix export standards and specifications, carry out inspection for quality control, and extend financial assistance to exporters for market development, infrastructure, and R&D. APEDA also serves as the Secretariat for the implementation of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which governs certification and standards for organic exports.

Established: 1986 under the APEDA Act, 1985
Scheduled products include: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, processed foods, cereals, and more
APEDA does not cover marine products (which fall under MPEDA) or bulk commodities like rice and wheat (under other agencies)
APEDA had set a target of $50 billion in agri-exports, which was surpassed in recent fiscal years

Connection to this news: APEDA's promotional activities — including market intelligence, branding, and financial support to exporters — have been instrumental in the expansion of high-value exports such as fresh fruits, pulses, and processed foods that drove the FY26 growth.

India's Pulses Sector: Production, Trade, and Policy

Pulses (lentils, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and moong) are a critical source of plant-based protein, particularly for low-income households in India and across South Asia and Africa. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, accounting for about 25% of global production and 27% of global consumption. Despite being a large producer, India has historically been a net importer of pulses during years of domestic shortfall — particularly of yellow peas (from Canada and Australia) and masur dal (from Canada). However, recent policy focus on domestic production (through Minimum Support Price enhancements and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) has boosted output, enabling a surplus for export.

Pulses exports FY26: USD 948.11 million, up 21.83%
Major export destinations: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, African nations, and the Middle East
India's pulse production in FY26: estimated at ~26 million metric tonnes
India exports primarily moong, urad, and masur to neighbouring countries

Connection to this news: The 21.83% surge in pulses exports in FY26 reflects improved domestic supply conditions and growing global demand for plant-based proteins, positioning India as a net exporter for the season — a reversal of the traditional import-reliance pattern.

Plantation Crops Export Economy

India's plantation sector — comprising tea, coffee, spices, rubber, and cashew — is one of the oldest organised agricultural industries, with historical roots in colonial-era estate agriculture in the Western Ghats, Nilgiris, and northeastern hill regions. These commodities are significant foreign exchange earners and support livelihoods across several states including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. India is the world's second-largest tea producer and fourth-largest coffee producer. The Spices Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, and Rubber Board are statutory bodies under the Ministry of Commerce that support quality, research, and market development for each commodity.

India is a leading global exporter of spices (black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, chilli)
Tea exports in FY26 faced competitive pressure from Sri Lankan and Kenyan teas
Coffee exports have benefited from rising global demand for Indian robusta and arabica varieties
Plantation workers are among the most regulated labour segments under the Plantation Labour Act, 1951

Connection to this news: Plantation products form a significant component of India's overall agricultural export basket, contributing to the USD 52.55 billion total. Strong coffee and spice export performance in FY26 supported overall growth alongside emerging high-value categories.

Vegetable Oil Trade and India's Position

India is one of the world's largest importers of edible oils (palm, soybean, sunflower), but also an exporter of specific oil categories such as castor oil, rice bran oil, and sesame oil. Castor oil is a particularly strategic export — India accounts for over 80% of global castor oil production, primarily from Gujarat. Castor oil is used in pharmaceuticals, lubricants, cosmetics, biodiesel, and specialty chemicals globally.

Vegetable oil exports FY26: USD 732.15 million, up 15.88%
India exports castor oil, rice bran oil, and sesame oil to the EU, USA, China, and Southeast Asia
Rising global demand for plant-based industrial oils has supported India's niche export segments

Connection to this news: The 15.88% growth in vegetable oil exports reflects India's strength in high-value niche oil segments even as the country remains a net importer of bulk edible oils like palm and soybean oil.

Key Facts & Data

Total agricultural exports FY2025-26: USD 52.55 billion (up 2.8% year-on-year)
Marine product exports: ₹72,325.82 crore (~$8.28 billion), a record high
Pulses exports: USD 948.11 million, up 21.83%
Fresh fruit exports: USD 1.32 billion, up 12.89%
Vegetable oil exports: USD 732.15 million, up 15.88%
Export volumes (marine products): 19.32 lakh metric tonnes
Key institutional roles: APEDA (processed/agri-products), MPEDA (marine products), Spices/Tea/Coffee Boards (plantation commodities)